Microsoft files for $6bn cash infusion
Published: 12 May 2009 10:52 BST
On Monday, Microsoft filed to issue debt that could see the company raising billions in additional capital.
The filing, which was made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, doesn't specify an amount to be raised.
In September, Microsoft's board authorised the company to issue up to $6bn (£4bn) in debt. It has already issued $2bn in short-term debt, known as commercial paper. Given that, Microsoft could potentially issue $4bn as part of the new debt offering, which is structured as a three-part offering with varying maturity dates.
The company did not specifically say what it would do with the money, offering a boilerplate statement that it would use the money "for general corporate purposes, which may include funding for working capital, capital expenditures, repurchases of our capital stock and acquisitions".
Microsoft declined to comment in more detail on how it would use the money.
Naturally, though, the filing prompted speculation that Microsoft might have its eye on an acquisition target, with Reuters naming business software giant SAP as one possibility. The two companies had merger talks several years ago.
Credit: Microsoft files for debt offering from CNET News
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