Microsoft has paid $19.7 billion for Nuance, a voice and speech technology company.
The merger was first announced in April of last year, but it was only recently finalized after receiving permission from worldwide regulators including the European Union, the United States, Australia, and the Competition and Markets Authority of the United Kingdom. According to a blog post by Nuance CEO Mark Benjamin and Microsoft's cloud and AI VP Scott Guthrie, the new acquisition will expand Microsoft's capabilities in "AI, digital, and cloud advancements to create solutions that transform how we – as global citizens – work, shop, bank, engage, and receive care." The former executive will remain in his role following the takeover but also report to the latter.
Microsoft will be looking forward to its next big takeover, Activision Blizzard, for a stunning $68.7 billion USD, now that Nuance has been absorbed. Following regulatory approval, the transaction is scheduled to be completed by 2023.
