Microsoft Acquires aQuantive for $6 billion

For weeks, Microsoft was mentioned in potential acquistion and/or merger (Yahoo) rumors. On May 18, those rumors were put to rest. Microsoft, at $66.50 per share or $6 billion total acquired aQuantive, a major player in the online advertising world.

The Seattle based aQuantive employs 2,600 people and will provide Microsoft with three different sectors, Avenue A | Razorfish, an interactive agency, Atlas, a marketing technology provider and DRIVEpm, an online network.

Industry insiders have deemed this move as direct correlation with Google's growing market share in online advertising. Just weeks ago, Google acquired ad giant DoubleClick to expand their reach. Microsoft's move, although it may be a bit too high of a price, was a necessary step for them to stay in the chase for Google.

Microsoft has stated they don't plan to cut jobs and will keep aQuantive's headquarters in Seattle.