Microsoft will acquire internet advertising company aQuantive for approximately USD 6 billion in cash. The purchase will allow Microsoft to enhance its existing advertising platforms and services beyond its current capabilities to serve MSN. It also provides the group with the ability to support next-generation advertising solutions and environments such as cross media planning, VoD and IPTV. AQuantive's three main brands are Atlas, which provides tools for advertisers and publishers, DRIVEpm, which provides services matching advertiser campaigns with publisher inventory, and the AvenueA/Razorfish inteteractive ad agency. Aquantive, which has approximately 2600 employees, will continue to operate from its Seattle headquarters as part of Microsoft's Online Services Business. The deal is expected to be completed in the first half of Microsoft's fiscal year 2008. The acquisition is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial guidance previously issued by the company.
