Microsoft to buy Nuance Communications for $16 billion

Microsoft Corp. has agreed to acquire speech-recognition firm Nuance Communications Inc. for $16 billion, pushing further into health technology and adding to a series of deals that have widened the range of software tools it offers customers.

The all-cash deal pays $56 per Nuance share, a 23% premium over Friday’s closing price. The companies put its value including debt at $19.7 billion.

The acquisition is Microsoft’s second largest under Chief Executive Satya Nadella. The company spent about $26 billion for professional network LinkedIn Corp. in 2016.