Possibility of layoffs in Microsoft and LinkedIn after acquisition

Yes, there's a possibility. What are you really trying to ask?

I don't think so

there is a 50% chance

Microsoft is adding more than 7,000 to the existing 110,000 while profit will remain almost flat. There will certainly be layoff from both side. I can imagine LinkedIn infra team will be encouraged to use Azure and it will eventually make some people out of job.

Ain't happening. That said, there will be some voluntary attrition may be of LinkedIn peeps who don't like the new brand. Also I'm pretty sure LinkedIn can't keep paying the kind of equity grants it does today.

layoffs and 15% raises go hand in hand