Microsoft nears deal to buy voice tech pioneer Nuance for $22.7bn 11 Apr, 2021 11:03 PM 3 minutes to read The acquisition could play an important strategic role for the tech giant in the future. Photo / File The acquisition could play an important strategic role for the tech giant in the future. Photo / File Financial Times By: James Fontanella-Khan and Richard Waters Microsoft is nearing a deal to buy voice recognition pioneer Nuance Communications that would value the artificial intelligence company at about US$16bn ($22.7 billion), according to people briefed about the matter. The deal would be the second-largest acquisition ever by Microsoft. It comes after the tech giant had been exploring a number of takeover opportunities over the past 12 months, including an approach for social media groups TikTok, Pinterest and Discord.