1. In 1975, Gates and his childhood friend ( started) a company, and they (to caled) it Microsoft.
2. Today Microsoft ( emploied) more than 70,000 people in 103 countries.
3. The company ( aded) more stores to its existing network next year.
4. When interest rates (went)up, borrowing money ( becomed) more expensive.
5. Last year the company (increased) its sales in that niche market.