Microsoft announced a deal to acquire professional social platform LinkedIn for $196 per share Monday. The all-cash deal is valued at $26.2 billion. 

 

 

Shares of LinkedIn surged 48 percent in premarket trading after the announcement while shares of Microsoft opened down 5 percent.

 

Jeff Weiner will stay on as CEO of LinkedIn and will report to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The deal was unanimously approved by both companies' Boards of Directors, and is expected to close by the end of the calendar year. The acquisition is still subject to approval by LinkedIn shareholders, and regulatory approvals.

 

"The LinkedIn team has grown a fantastic business centered on connecting the world's professionals," Nadella said in a statement. "Together we can accelerate the growth of LinkedIn, as well as Microsoft Office 365 and Dynamics as we seek to empower every person and organization on the planet."