MySQL Acquired by Sun Microsystems

Sun Microsystems Inc. agreed to acquire MySQL AB, developers of open source databases for about $1 billion -- about $800 million in cash in exchange for all MySQL stock and to assume about $200 million in options. The transaction is reportedly expected to close late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of this year.

Sun Microsystems Inc., based in Santa Clara, CA said the acquisition accelerates its position in enterprise IT to now include the database market, saying MySQL "will bring synergies to Sun that will change the landscape of the software industry by driving new adoption of MySQL's open source database in more traditional applications and enterprises."

Marten Mickos, CEO of MySQL says the combination of MySQL and Sun represents an enormous opportunity for users and organizations of all sizes seeking innovation, growth and choice. "Sun's culture and business model complements MySQL's own by sharing the same ideals that we have had since our foundation -- software freedom, online innovation and community partner participation." he said, adding that they were excited to work with Sun and the millions of members of the MySQL open source ecosystem to continue delivering the best database for powering the modern web economy.

The MySQL open source database is the "M' in LAMP -- a software platform comprised of Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP/Perl and is used by millions of people worldwide.

Once the transaction is completed, MySQL will be integrated into Sun's software, Sales and Service Organizations. Mickos will join Sun's senior executive leadership team and the other MySQL employees have been invited to join Sun Microsystems Inc. as well. Until then, representatives from both companies will develop integration plans.

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