Microsoft Corp. bought a 1.6 percent stake in Facebook
Microsoft Corp. bought a 1.6 percent stake in Facebook for $240 million, valuing the rising Internet star at $15 billion.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE: The deal gives Microsoft an additional platform for selling ads as it tries to catch up with online search leader Google Inc. It gives Microsoft a toehold in social networking, an area where both Yahoo and Google have struggled.
FACEBOOK FUTURE: Microsoft's investment should help with Facebook's ambitious plans to expand, including to markets outside the United States. Facebook users, who are encouraged to expand their ties through messaging, photo-sharing and other tools, shouldn't see any immediate changes.