Russians have purchased their beloved ICQ after all

AOL has at last sold ICQ instant messenger company to Russian investors for $187.5 million. The transaction was reported by Digital Sky Technologies, an investment group backed by Yuri Milner, a media baron, and Alisher Usmanov, Uzbek commodities tycoon who owns a large stake in Arsenal FC.

While the popularity of the instant messenger has declined in the Western countries it remained strong and even increased in Israel, where it was developed, and former Soviet countries.

Back in 1998 AOL purchased ICQ from its developer Mirabilis, for $407 million. At present time ICQ registers 32 million users per month.

AOL, said: "Digital Sky Technologies is a leading innovator in the Internet investment space and has a significant presence in the markets where ICQ is strong."