Should it choose to do so, Microsoft would have to borrow about $225 billion to pay out its investors and as a private company it would have quite a bit more freedom, as it would not face nearly as much scrutiny from regulators or investors.
Microsoft General Manger of Investment Relations Bill Koefoed told the blog that the idea was not as farfetched as it sounded.
"Sure, in the back of people's minds. We've thought about it," he said.
However, the management doesn’t appear too keen to pursue this course of action. Neither Steve Ballmer nor Bill Gates believe that this is a very good idea and Ballmer recently even sold off part of his stake in the company.
So there you have it. It is possible, but still very unlikely.
More here.