August 19, 2006	Saturday	Rajab 23, 1427

NEW YORK, Aug 18: Software giant Microsoft said on Friday it was boosting its huge share buyback programme by a hefty $16.2 billion.

Other US companies are also moving to repurchase their stock, signalling they see limited investment opportunities in the US economy which has shown signs of slowing in recent months.

Microsoft said it expects to acquire 155 million shares at $24.75 per share for a total $3.8 billion following a tender which expired late Thursday as part of its ramped-up buyback programme.

The Washington-state based software-maker said it was now seeking to repurchase additional shares totalling $36.2 billion in a programme stretching forward to June 30, 2011.—AFP