It depends on "the board's review", not on actual gains by shareholders.
> putting all that LinkedIn info into Cortana to assist people in their business dealings with each other
You do not have to buy whole LinkedIn in order to put that data into Cortana. It could be collaborative research project and if that project shows promise - then do merging. Or even just license the data. Why buy the whole company?
Now LinkedIn top management does not have strong incentive to maximize profits or even revenue growth.
Re: Executives motivation for merging
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http://www.geekwire.com/2015/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-gets-18-3m-in-annual-compensation-as-board-cites-strong-consistent-vision/
The cash bonus, representing 120 percent of Nadella’s target, is based on the board’s review of the CEO’s performance.
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It depends on "the board's review", not on actual gains by shareholders.
> putting all that LinkedIn info into Cortana to assist people in their business dealings with each other
You do not have to buy whole LinkedIn in order to put that data into Cortana.
It could be collaborative research project and if that project shows promise - then do merging.
Or even just license the data.
Why buy the whole company?
Now LinkedIn top management does not have strong incentive to maximize profits or even revenue growth.