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Simpson Thacher is representing an investor group led by Silver Lake Partners on the debt financing for their purchase of a 65% interest in Skype Technologies from eBay, Inc. for approximately $1.9 billion in cash, in a transaction valuing Skype Technologies at $2.75 billion. Skype Technologies is the manufacturer and developer of Skype software, which is used to make free video and voice calls over the internet. The investor group includes Silver Lake, Index Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board. eBay will retain the remaining 35% equity interest in Skype.

Simpson Thacher is advising the investor group on the senior secured credit facilities and seller financing for the acquisition. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of the 2009 calendar year.

The Simpson Thacher team includes Jennifer Hobbs and Kevin Rubinstein (Credit & Banking) and Jonathan Karen and Justus Morris (Corporate; Funds).