Microsoft founder Bill Gates has supported the company’s takeover of the internet telephone service provider Skype, saying that he was a "strong proponent" of the deal.
According to an interview with the BBC, Gates said, "I was a strong proponent at the board level for the deal being done."
For Microsoft, which has traditionally favoured taking over smaller companies, the $8.5bn deal is its largest ever acquisition. Some analysts raised concerns that Microsoft could have over-paid to buy the loss making company.
Skype, which was launched in 2003, recorded losses last year. It lost $7m on revenue of $860m. The company also has debt of $686m, which Microsoft would assume in the purchase.
However, Gates has defended the deal.
He said, "I think it’s a great, great deal for Skype. I think it’s a great deal for Microsoft."
Gates said that the decision to acquire Skype was a strategic one.
"The idea of video conferencing is going to get so much better than it is today. Skype actually does get a fair bit of revenue," said Gates.
"It’ll be fascinating to see how the brilliant ideas out of Microsoft research, coming together with Skype, what they can make of that."
