WSJ.com - Microsoft Plans To Step Up Pace Of Acquisitions

WSJ.com - Microsoft Plans To Step Up Pace Of Acquisitions: "The Redmond, Wash., software maker expects to acquire companies in the price range of $300 million to $500 million and may buy some in the $1 billion to $2 billion range, Mr. Ballmer said.
'We have dialed up the pace of acquisitions,' he said, explaining that he didn't think Microsoft would do a 'big blockbuster' acquisition but that the company isn't 'close minded' about it.
Executives didn't give details of what types of companies Microsoft may buy, but any investments would likely be in technologies that fill out existing Microsoft product lines and strategies. Microsoft yesterday touted the continuing integration of Groove Networks, a maker of collaboration software acquired this year to supplement the Redmond, Wash., company's Office software line."