What companies Microsoft Might Buy Next?  

Microsoft is based in Redmond, Washington but most of its vast capital and investments are deposited abroad - for tax reasons. Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer's statement regarding the Skype acquisition will be the basis of the next companies that Microsoft might acquire in the future. He said in a press conference of the Skype takeover 'Skype was based in Luxembourg and the acquisition was a proper way of spending the company's money'. It is then clear that Europe is Microsoft's target when it comes to acquisitions.

Nokia's entire business

Microsoft hopes to create a new mobile system with its partnership with Finland-based Nokia and ultimately increase its mobile income faster. Under the deal, Nokia phones will run Microsoft software, but the $15 income for every unit sold does not answer the company's mobile revenue problem. If this were Microsoft's driving force behind the partnership, then it would be logical to buy Nokia. They can then start making Windows phones utilizing Nokia hardware and technology.

Spotify

Spotify from London is an excellent digital music streaming service that provides access to a wide range of songs over the internet. Its current value is estimated to be around 2 billion dollars. Spotify's incorporation into Windows Phone 7 will make other music services look inferior, and this might place Microsoft side by side or even up front with the leading digital media provider - Apple.

Rovio's Angry Birds

The most popular mobile game today is Angry Birds. It's a video game developed by Rovio Mobile based in Finland. Although Windows phone already has integrated Xbox Live, you can just imagine how an addictive game like Angry Birds can push Windows phone into higher levels. With an estimated value of $200 million, Rovio should be an easy acquisition for Microsoft.

Layar - Augmented Reality

Another application that can help Windows phone to reach the top is Layar. It is a mobile browser that allows you to discover different information using Augmented Reality technology. Nokia uses Layar on Androids, iPhones, and Ovi. This acquisition will ensure that all upcoming development is heading towards Windows phone.

Yandex Search Engine

Microsoft's Bing is slowly inching closer to Google in the US but it is rather stagnant abroad. Yandex, on the other hand, is Europe's largest internet company based in Russia with a market share of around 60%. With an estimated value of $6 to $9 billion, the company is worth a lot by any means. Knowing Microsoft's acquisition records of accomplishment, it is willing to pay large amounts to be the leader in its chosen field.

ARM Holdings

Most of the microchips used in tablet PCs and smartphones of today were designed by ARM Holdings. While Microsoft already has a standing partnership with ARM, it was further strengthened when Microsoft announced that Windows 8 is being developed to run with ARM chips for the tablet PC category. Acquiring ARM would be pricey and Microsoft will have to pay around $13 billion. If this turns into reality, Microsoft will most definitely turn into the world's leader in mobile technology.

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