Business ventures, mergers, and acquisitions that reach the billion-dollar mark are more common than you might think. But only a handful of them have been so transformative and impactful that they've shaken the world, changing the way we work, live, and play. Let's take a look at the top 7 billion-dollar business ventures that did precisely that.
Microsoft Buys LinkedIn
In June 2016, Microsoft rocked the tech world by announcing it was buying LinkedIn for a staggering $26.2 billion, making it one of the most significant tech deals in history. The acquisition created a powerful synergy between the world's largest professional network and one of the biggest software companies. This merger has since transformed the way businesses connect, communicate, and conduct B2B transactions.
Disney Acquires 21st Century Fox
When Disney acquired 21st Century Fox for an astounding $71.3 billion in 2019, it not only reshaped the entertainment landscape but also gave Disney control over a significant chunk of the TV and movie industry. This merger also led to the creation of Disney+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service that has since become a major player in the industry.
Facebook Buys WhatsApp
Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp in 2014 for $19 billion was a game-changer. It allowed Facebook to significantly expand its reach and consolidate its position in the mobile messaging market. This purchase also signaled the rise of mobile messaging as a dominant form of digital communication, revolutionizing how people around the world connect and communicate.
Amazon Purchases Whole Foods
Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods for $13.7 billion in 2017 was a clear statement of the e-commerce giant's intent to dominate not just online retail, but brick-and-mortar as well. The acquisition gave Amazon a significant foothold in the grocery industry, shook up the retail landscape, and ushered in a new era of retail where online and offline experiences are seamlessly integrated.
SoftBank Acquires ARM Holdings
In 2016, Japanese conglomerate SoftBank bought ARM Holdings, a leading UK-based chip designer, for $31 billion. The deal was a strategic move to gain a significant stake in the Internet of Things (IoT), given ARM's chips power a huge number of mobile devices. This acquisition has since propelled SoftBank to the forefront of cutting-edge tech like AI and IoT.
Bayer Buys Monsanto
When German pharmaceutical giant Bayer bought Monsanto for $63 billion in 2018, it was one of the largest all-cash deals in history. This mega-deal created the world's largest seeds and pesticides company, consolidating a significant portion of the global seed market under one roof. The deal sparked controversy and has since influenced global agricultural practices and policies.
Dell Acquires EMC Corporation
Dell's $67 billion acquisition of EMC Corporation in 2016 remains the tech industry's largest deal to date. This merger created a powerhouse in the technology sector, with a comprehensive portfolio of products and services spanning all key areas of IT. The deal has since changed the dynamics of the tech industry, giving Dell a competitive edge in areas like storage, server, and virtualization.
These billion-dollar business ventures are not just about corporate giants expanding their empires. They're about strategic moves that reshape industries, change consumer behaviours and even influence global policies. As we move into the future, we can expect more of these transformative deals that continue to shake up the world.