Europe approves Microsoft-Skype deal

The European Commissioned has approved an $8.5 billion deal between Microsoft and Skype to purchase the VoIP provider.

While the deal has been approved in the United States for several months, the two companies have been attempting to gain regulatory approval in other jurisdictions where the software is available.

“In the area of consumer communications, the investigation found that the parties’ activities mainly overlap for video communications, where Microsoft is active through its Windows Live Messenger,” a statement released by the commission said.

“However, the Commission considers that there are no competition concerns in this growing market where numerous players, including Google, are present.”