Who wins in the Microsoft-Skype take over?

Microsoft today agreed to buy Skype, the world's most popular Web-calling service, in a move to narrow Google's lead in Web advertising.

While analysts debate whether the move will pan out for Microsoft, its clear there are several other winners in the $8.5 billion deal.

Several investors stand to benefit from the move, including a private equity firm, a pension fund and a venture capitalist.

Andreessen Horowitz

The venture capital firm - co-founded by Netscape co-founder Marc Andreessen bought a 3 percent stake in 2009 for $50 million, at a $2.75 billion valuation.

The sale of Skype will be the first exit for Andreessen Horowitz.

Estimated Value of Skype Investment: $200 million

eBay

The online auctioneer eBay owns a 30 percent stake in the company after it bought and sold off a majority of its holdings in 2009.

That stake is thought to be worth $620m eBay estimated, which means the purchase inflates that to $2.3 billion. It originally bought the company in a heavily criticized deal for $3.1 billion in 2005.

Joltid

In 2009, the founders of Skype, Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis, sued Skype over patent issues. After a favorable settlement, the two founders held 14 percent of Skype and placed the investment in a holding company, Joltid.

Estimated Value: $1.1 billion

Silver Lake Partners

In 2009, Silver Lake and a team of investors bought a controlling stake in Skype. The group put $900 million in capital, according to Bloomberg, making the firm's 40 percent stake worth $3.1 billion.