Launched on September 3, 2005, eBay has set the standard in online auctions. eBay operates websites in thirty countries including the US. This list of acquisitions for the most part relate to the business of an online auction company whether it be online auctioning, e-commerce, payment systems or advertising. Skype, along with PayPal which was acquired in 2002, are not only eBay’s most expensive acquisitions, but also allow eBay to offer an impressive and comprehensive package to businesses.