Connecting Billions

An Indian is among gainers of the deal

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Reid Hoffman, co-founder and controlling shareholder of Linkedin Corporation, emerges as the biggest beneficiary of Microsoft's $26.2-billion offer. Hoffman controls LinkedIn through a holding of 14.48 million Class B shares.

While Class B shares are not traded, they have higher voting rights and are convertible into Class A shares at the option of the holder. These shares at present give Hoffman an economic interest of around 11 per cent and voting rights of 53 per cent. At the offer price of $196 per share, Hoffman's holding is worth around $2.8 billion. At least five institutional holders would get over a billion dollars each if they take the Microsoft offer at $196.

Chief Executive Jeff Weiner's holding was worth $17.4 million, while Indian origin Dipchand Nishar, who is now with SoftBank, would make $15 million. Business Standard looks at who could make what in LinkedIn's best connection ever