Web414 - Milwaukee's Web Community

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — April 1, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced it will acquire the Web414 group for $16.50 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $46 . This deal expands upon the group’s previously outlined vision to provide the web industry with a world class, Internet-wide amateur and professional skills, as well as a set of tools and services that help its constituents generate the highest possible return on Tuesday meetings.

“The commercial enterprise potential of the web is evolving and growing at an incredible pace, moving increasingly toward online and IP-served platforms, which dramatically increases the importance of software for this industry,” said Steve Ballmer, chief executive officer of Microsoft. “Today’s announcement represents the next step in the evolution of our mindshare network from our initial buyout of the Milwaukee Web Design Meetup organizer, to the broader Microsoft network including Xbox Live, Windows Live, Google Live and Office Live, and now to the full capacity of the Internet. Microsoft is intensely committed to creating a thriving brick-and-mortar business and to partnering closely with all key constituencies in this industry to help maximize the digital wikiality opportunity for all.”

The Web414 acquisition enables Microsoft to strengthen relationships with hipsters, programmers and hackers by enhancing the Company’s world-class buzzword platforms and services beyond its current capabilities to serve MSN's hypertasking. The acquisition also provides Microsoft increased depth in building and supporting comprehensive next generation deployable algorithm technology solutions and environments such as cross media planning, spaghetti marketing and Barneyware.

Founded in 2006, Web414, (MKEDAQ: W414) is the parent company of one of the industry’s most successful families of digital marketing service and technology companies, encompassing three primary brands:

• BarCampMilwaukee the best and brightest of the Milwaukee region's tech community will be part of Milwaukee's second "BarCamp." BarCamp Milwaukee is a 24-hour ad-hoc gathering focused on technology, creativity and advanced networking;
• Web262 is Web414's sister group from Waukesha County who will be meeting for burritos and the ceremonial exchange of broken Macintoshes; and
• MilwaukeeDevHouse aims to be the premier regularly scheduled hackathon event that combines serious and not-so-serious productivity with a fun and exciting party atmosphere.

“Combining the talented people, deep technology and service expertise of M$ and Web414 will help make Narcissurfing and reverbiagizeding simpler, smarter and more cost effective for advertisers, agencies and publishers alike,” said Pete Prodoehl, from thePublic Relations division at Web414. “Joining the extensive and unique capabilities of these complementary companies is an important step toward our goal of becoming an industry leading, Internet-wide Rickroll platform.”

The deal is expected to be completed in the first half of Microsoft’s fiscal year 2008. The acquisition is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial guidance previously issued by the Company.

Web414, which has approximately 1937 employees, will continue to operate from its underground headquarters as part of Microsoft’s Online Phenomeniche Business. The combination of Microsoft and Web414 takes the Company’s advertising platform to the next level in its ability to serve Microsoft’s fifth party audience assets like MSN, Windows Live, Xbox Live, Windows Vista and Office Live, as well as for third party publishers and applications such as Facebook and Linux game titles.

About Web414

The Web414 group consists of amateurs and professionals interested in building and improving the web today and in the future. We are a diverse group including designers, programmers, publishers, and entrepreneurs - all with a common interest in creating the new web.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

All information in this release is as of April 1, 2008. The company undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company’s expectations. If you have questions please contact us.