US tech giant Microsoft has acquired land parcels worth Rs 848 crore in Pune over the past three years. According to Square Yards, the multinational information technology (IT) conglomerate recently bought a 16.4-acre land parcel for Rs 520 crore in Pune’s Hinjewadi area. Earlier, in 2022, it acquired a 25-acre land parcel in Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial township in Pune district, for Rs 328 crore.
According to the regulatory document, Microsoft’s Indian arm, Microsoft Corporation (India) Private Limited, has acquired 16.4 acres (equivalent to 66,414.5 square metres) of prime land in Pune’s Hinjewadi, one of India’s prominent IT hubs. The transaction was registered in August 2024, under which land was purchased from Indo Global Infotech City LLP. The deal attracted a stamp duty of Rs 31.18 crore. The document further states that the deed was registered with the relevant sub-registrar on September 6.
Additionally, Microsoft earlier this year secured 48 acres of land in Hyderabad for Rs 267 crore. According to Square Yards, a proptech platform, both the deals, Pune and Hyderabad, are part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand its presence in India, particularly within its data center business. The company’s network of data centers already includes locations in Pune, Mumbai and Chennai, strengthening its presence in key markets.
Additionally, Microsoft launched a major skills initiative in India in early 2024, with the goal of equipping two million people with artificial intelligence and digital skills by 2025. The program, known as ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA, is part of the company’s ‘Skills for Jobs’ initiative, which is designed to create a future-ready workforce.
Currently, the company’s workforce in India comprises of over 23,000 employees across cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Pune. These teams support various business functions including sales, marketing, research, development and customer support.
First publication: Sep 11, 2024 | 4:08 PM IST