Microsoft to buy LinkedIn for $35.5bn

Professional networking service site LinkedIn is being bought by Microsoft, which will gain its 430 million members for $US26.2 billion.

Microsoft says it is buying professional networking service site LinkedIn for about $US26.2 billion ($A35.52 billion).

LinkedIn, based in Mountain View, California, has more than 430 million members.

Users can network with professionals, upload their resumes and search for jobs on the site.

Microsoft says it is paying $US196 for each share of LinkedIn, a 50 per cent premium of the stock's closing price of $US131.08 on Friday.

LinkedIn shares soared 49 per cent before the stock market opened on Monday.