On Sunday, Microsoft officials announced the company’s plans to acquire the remaining 50.1% of MSN Israel Ltd. from its partner, Internet Gold Ltd.

MSN Israel was founded back in 2000 as part of Microsoft’s portal network, operating in no less than 44 countries.

According to Danny Yamin, general manager of Microsoft Israel, the upcoming deal will have both companies deepen their "impact on the Israeli market." MSN Israel brought in about 3% of Internet Gold's total revenue for 2007 ($360 million).

Internet Gold is a Petach Tikva, Israel group working with Internet and international-phone services, as well as information-technology integration, websites and e-commerce. As IGLD Chief Executive Eli Holtzman put it, following the change in the online strategies of both companies, Microsoft’s operating msn.co.il independently is currently the most appropriate move.

A lot has happened since Microsoft announced that major administrative change. Bill Gates left his position of chief research and strategy officer to colleague Craig Mundie; Steve Ballmer is now the company’s new chief executive officer.

About one week ago Microsoft talked about its intention to acquire a Portugal-based, mobile service-oriented company called MobiComp, for a yet-to-be-disclosed sum.