Gates: I Played a Big Role in the Skype Deal (MSFT)

According to a recent interview with the BBC, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) founder and current Chairman Bill Gates, 55, said he was a "strong proponent" in company's recent $8.5 billion proposal to acquire Skype.

"I think it's a great, great deal for Skype. I think it's a great deal for Microsoft," Gates said. "The idea of video conferencing is going to get so much better than it is today. Skype actually does get a fair bit of revenue."

Skype has struggled to make a profit over the last several years, despite having 663 million users worldwide.

Microsoft stock is down about 5 percent from May 9th, the last trading day since the deal was announced. CEO Steve Ballmer has been taking the brunt of the criticism following the announcement, but investors may warm a little knowing Gates had played such a big part.

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