http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080829/microsoft_greenfield_online.html?.v=3
Software giant Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) announced on Friday that it has agreed to acquire Web-based survey company Greenfield Online Inc. (SRVY) and its subsidiary Ciao GmbH - a European based online-shopping portal with websites in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Sweden. The transaction isvalued at approximately $486 million.Greenfield said it entered into a merger agreement to be acquired by Microsoft, via a cash tender offer for $17.50 per share, representing a premium of nearly 10% over Greenfield’s closing share price on August 25. This deal betters an earlier proposal made by Quadrangle Group to acquire the company for $15.50 a share.
Microsoft said it will sell to an unnamed financial buyer Greenfield’s Internet survey solutions [ISS] business, which accounts for about 75% of the company’s overall revenue.
