Bill Gates: Skype deal was great for Microsoft

The founder of Microsoft said that he “was a strong proponent at the board level for the deal being done”.

Skype, the internet video calling service, was bought by Microsoft last week. The deal is the largest acquisition Microsoft has ever made.

Some analysts have questioned whether Microsoft overpaid but Mr Gates insisted that they did not. He told the BBC: “I think it’s a great, great deal for Skype. I think it’s a great deal for Microsoft.”

He added: “It’ll be fascinating to see how the brilliant ideas out of Microsoft research, coming together with Skype, what they can make of that.”

Mr Gates is still chairman of Microsoft but he stepped back from his full-time role at the company in 2008 to focus on charity work.