Biggest Gaming Industry Deal: Microsoft has sealed the deal on its $69bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard, marking the largest transaction in the gaming sector to date.
Green Light from UK Regulators: The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approved the deal after initial resistance, ensuring that their concerns were addressed in the revised terms.
Deal Dynamics:
- Microsoft will control major titles like “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft.”
- Rights to distribute Activision's games via cloud on consoles and PCs have been handed to Ubisoft.
- Activision CEO Bobby Kotick to step down at the end of 2023.
Global Regulatory Response:
- Approved by EU regulators.
- US competition watchdog's attempt to halt the deal was rejected.
Potential Impact on Gaming Industry:
- Microsoft aims to enhance its Xbox Game Pass service and expand into mobile gaming.
- The acquisition could position Microsoft as a significant player in the gaming industry, potentially surpassing Nintendo.
- Rivals like Sony have expressed concerns over the potential exclusivity of major Activision titles.
Stock Implications:
- Microsoft is paying cash for Activision at a premium price of $95 per share.
- Activision's outgoing CEO, Bobby Kotick, is set for a $400m payday.
How do you think this acquisition will shape the future of the gaming industry and impact the stock trajectories of involved companies? Will this deal pave the way for further consolidation in the sector?
Full article on BBC
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