Microsoft to close down Skype's Stockholm and London offices

Ersin Arslan / Stockholm, Mar 28 (DHA) - Microsoft has decided to close the Swedish branch and London Office of video chat giant Skype.
The Stockholm office of the tech firm, which was co-founded by a Swede then later bought by Microsoft, is to be closed as part of a long-term plan to reduce the geographic spread of its offices.
"Microsoft has taken the difficult decision to begin conversations with unions to close Skype's office in Stockholm" Skype said in a written statement.
Stockholm office’s 120 employees have been given notice of termination, while the video chat company confirmed that all staff members there are at risk of losing their jobs.
"The decision is in line with the company's long-term goal to reduce the geographic spread of offices to create better cooperation possibilities and improve development work as well as raise the ceiling in innovation and quality work," it commented.
On the other hand the company said in a statement that, "Microsoft reviewed some London-based roles and made the decision to unify some engineering positions."
"Microsoft will be entering into a consultation process and offer new opportunities, where possible."
"We are deeply committed to doing everything we can to help those impacted through this process."
There's no indication of exactly when the office will close, but workers who keep their jobs will now move to Microsoft's main London office in Paddington.
Originally started in Estonia in 2003, Skype was bought by Microsoft for $8.5 billion back in 2011.
The service received a raft of updates as part of the launch of Windows 10 as the rebranded Skype for Business became one of Microsoft's most important apps.