LinkedIn’s office plans going forward despite merger

In big news for the local tech sector, Mountain View-based professional networking giant LinkedIn is being acquired by Microsoft for $26.2 billion. The merger of the two companies is not expected to change LinkedIn’s plans to build a new landmark headquarters at the city’s North Bayshore gateway, according to a spokesman.

“This acquisition will not affect our office location strategy.” said LinkedIn spokesman Stephen Lynch in an email to the Voice. “As always, we will continue to regularly evaluate our workforce strategies, including the location of our work sites and facilities.”

Both companies maintain a large presence in North Bayshore, but LinkedIn’s future development is seen as having major ramifications for the tech neighborhood.

The company’s project — dubbed the “Shoreline Commons” would create a 10-building campus adjacent to Highway 101 that would bring a new hotel, movie theater and commercial promenade. In recent weeks, company officials indicated they were also interested in adding housing to the project.

Overall, the LinkedIn project is seen as integral to the city’s vision to transform North Bayshore into a business park with a thriving residential neighborhood.

The acquisition by Microsoft was first announced early Monday, June 13, in a deal approved by both companies’ boards of directors. In its announcement, Microsoft, based in Richmond, Wash., emphasized that LinkedIn would retain its top executives as well as its culture and independence.

Following the merger news, LinkedIn’s stock price had risen by nearly 50 percent by Monday afternoon.

“Both Microsoft and Linkedin are committed to Mountain View,” said Tony Siress, CEO of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, via email. “Having a strong backer like Microsoft is great news for Linkedin who can now focus on growth and product development.”