Skype hopes flotation will raise $100m
Skype is looking to raise up to $100m through an initial public offering to grow its premium product business.
The internet telecoms firm wants to increase take-up of its paid-for products, including video group calling, as well as diversifying its revenues streams by introducing marketing services such as licensing.
Skype for businesses has also been earmarked as an area for development.
In a statement, Skype said: “We believe our business is characterised by low operating and capital expenditures as a result of the strong network effects that help us grow our user base, our strong communications brand, which we have built despite low levels of marketing spending, and the low-cost peer-to-peer architecture that does not require us to build or maintain a network.”
Ebay, which owned a majority stake in Skype, had reported significant fluctuations in revenue and income since 2007 and sold its share last November (nma 21 January 2010).
Skype’s IPO filing has revealed it made losses of $41.6m in 2008 and $386.8m in 2009.
PaidContent also reports that Skype’s application for a trademark in Europe is being opposed by BSkyB on the grounds that it owns the mark for the ’Sky’ in Skype. It has opposed several applications since 2006.
This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk
