Skype Delays IPO, Facebook And Google Seek Joint Ventures

Word has been circulating for a long time now that Skype was set to make an IPO. The IPO for the video and voice chat service is expected to raise about $1 billion for the company allowing it to expand and invest in new developments. Skype has been in the news a lot recently for patches and updates for its Android app. The company recently patched a vulnerability in the Android app that could have left user information vulnerable.

Reuters reports that Skype has delayed the IPO and with that delay comes word that both Facebook and Google are circling. Apparently, Google is seeking to from a joint venture with Skype according to a source. Another source also claims that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, flush with cash, is also in internal discussions about purchasing Skype. The purchase of Skye is estimated to be worth $3 billion to $4 billion.

Skype's IPO isn't out of the question; some sources claim that the IPO could still happen in second half of 2011. At this point, none of the parties are commenting on the rumors and there is no indication of which way Skype is leaning. Skype filed the paperwork needed to clear the way for its IPO last August. It is conceivable that the delay in making the IPO is to allow more time to mull joint ventures and a possible sale to Facebook.

[via Reuters]