Now, it’s official. Microsoft (msft) and Skype are one. Well, Skype actually isn’t alone in this world any more, anyway. Even while this deal was publicized months back, there has been a lot of work in the time being to ensure all the legal aspects were ironed out. Now, Microsoft (msft) has closed its purchase of Skype, locking in an $8.5 billion payment that was led by investor group Silver Lake. According to the businesses, Microsoft and Skype will remain focused on their joint goal of connecting all individuals across all devices and accelerating both companies’ efforts to transform real-time communication for people and enterprise subscribers.

The finalization of the acquisition also marks the official intro of Skype as a new business division within Microsoft. Skype Chief Executive Officer Tony Bates will adopt the title of ceo of the Skype Division of Microsoft immediately, reporting directly to Ballmer (CEO Microsoft). The Skype division will continue to offer its current products to millions of users around the globe. Longer term, Skype will also be incorporated across a selection of Microsoft (msft) products to diversify Skype’s reach and increase its advancement as a standard way people communicate on the net.

Skype staff members will continue to be situated around the world in offices including Estonia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the United States.

Here at headsure we hope the Skype employees are well looked after.  Its been seen before that when Microsoft acquires a company, sometimes things dont pan out to well for the acquired.