Before a group of investors bought a majority of Skype from eBay Inc. in 2009, Microsoft Corp.MSFT -0.21% had discussions about acquiring Skype but passed on bidding over concerns about lawsuits Skype was facing from its founders, according to a court document and people familiar with the matter.
Microsoft’s interest, while not strong enough for it to bid, could dispel some concerns activist investor Carl Icahn has raised about the Skype deal. Mr. Icahn said it only raises more questions.
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