Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT)


and


Nuance Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN)



reported

entry into a definitive agreement where Microsoft will acquire Nuance for USD 56 per share, or an implied 23% premium to the closing price of Nuance on Friday, April 9th in an all cash transaction that is valued at USD 19.7 Billion, inclusive of Nuance’s net debt.  Microsoft has pushed its cloud offerings to support customers and partners as they respond to disruption and new opportunities.  Including Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare that focuses on the needs of the rapidly changing and growing healthcare industry.  This acquisition focuses on boosting Microsoft’s industry specific cloud strategy.

“Nuance provides the AI layer at the healthcare point of delivery and is a pioneer in the real-world application of enterprise AI,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “AI is technology’s most important priority, and healthcare is its most urgent application. Together, with our partner ecosystem, we will put advanced AI solutions into the hands of professionals everywhere to drive better decision-making and create more meaningful connections, as we accelerate growth of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare and Nuance.”

“Over the past three years, Nuance has streamlined its portfolio to focus on the healthcare and enterprise AI segments, where there has been accelerated demand for advanced conversational AI and ambient solutions,” said Mark Benjamin, CEO, Nuance. “To seize this opportunity, we need the right platform to bring focus and global scale to our customers and partners to enable more personal, affordable and effective connections to people and care. The path forward is clearly with Microsoft —  who brings intelligent cloud-based services at scale and who shares our passion for the ways technology can make a difference. At the same time, this combination offers a critical opportunity to deliver meaningful and certain value to our shareholders who have driven and supported us on this journey.”

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Microsoft Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Nuance Communications for USD 56 Per Share

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Microsoft Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Nuance Communications for USD 56 Per Share