Microsoft Corp. and video game chat company Discord Inc. has ended the acquisition talks after Discord turned down a $ 12 billion offer, according to people familiar with the matter.
Now the discord focuses on a potential long-term public listing, people said, asking that it not be identified because the matter is private.
Several other companies have also tried to buy Discord in recent weeks, according to people. The identity of these companies could not be known immediately.
Discord and Microsoft representatives declined to comment.
Place to talk
Discord, based in San Francisco, is best known for its free service that allows players to communicate via video, voice and text. People trapped at home during the pandemic have increasingly used their technology for study groups, dance classes, book clubs and other virtual gatherings.
He has been expanding his communication tools to become one “Place to talk” instead of a player-centered chat platform.
Bloomberg News previously reported that companies were in talks about a deal, but that Discord did it is more likely to make an initial public offering. Discord has also held discussions with Epic Games Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. in the past, people familiar with the matter have said.
The Wall Street Journal had previously reported that trade talks were coming to an end.
Microsoft remains busy on the front of deals. Earlier this month, he did said it would buy Nuance Communications Inc., a pioneer in voice recognition, in a total cash deal valued at $ 19.6 billion.
Last year he tried to buy the social networking app TikTok and held talks to acquire Pinterest Inc., as they were looking for resources that would allow access to thriving user communities, people familiar with the matter have said. Microsoft’s Xbox business has also been expanding the set of subscription benefits it provides as part of its Game Pass offering.
(Updates with new information on the offer from the first paragraph)