<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"The Wall Street Journal is confirming that Microsoft has won the battle for expanded control over Facebook's advertising, while taking a stake in the social network that values it at $15 billion.  According to the report, Microsoft will invest $240 million in Facebook for its share of ownership.  \nEarlier today, the word was that Google was still in the running for the deal, but in the end, Microsoft appears to have won the battle, as first reported exactly one month ago.  \nMost signs pointed to Microsoft ultimately winning the deal since they've been Facebook's advertising partner for more than a year.  Nonetheless, $240 million represents less than 2 percent of Facebook at a $15 billion valuation, so it's unlikely Microsoft will have much sway in terms of decision making going forward.  However, it is certainly enough cash for Facebook to start making acquisitions and continue to bolster up its staff at an aggressive pace.\nMeanwhile, Facebook is set to roll out their expanded advertising program in early November, as reported earlier this week."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://mashable.com/2007/10/24/facebook-microsoft-google/>