Microsoft Corp approached Pinterest Inc in recent months about a potential deal to acquire the $51 billion social media company, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing people briefed on the matter.
The negotiations were currently not active, according to the report. (on.ft.com/2Z7Isa5)
A general shift to virtual interactions leading to increased engagement on social media platforms benefited Pinterest as well, with its monthly active users jumping 37% to 459 million in the fourth quarter.
The company said it added a record 100 million monthly active users in 2020.
Pinterest’s shares have risen over seven times from its pandemic-low in March last year. Pinterest had previously signalled it wants to remain an independent company, the FT said.
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The social media company generates revenue by placing advertisements next to the Pins, or posts, uploaded on the site by users.
A deal between the two companies would also have tested the Biden administration’s appetite for allowing powerful technology companies to strike deals, according to the FT.
