Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7bn
Software giant Microsoft announced its plans to buy game development and interactive entertainment content publisher Activision Blizzard in a US$68.7 billion deal.
In a statement, Microsoft said that this deal will accelerate their gaming business across mobile, PC, console, and cloud, and allow them a starting point in creating their “metaverse”.
The acquisition will include the purchase of iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard, and King studios — such as Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Candy Crush, and global eSports activities through Major League Gaming.
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick will remain in the company post-acquisition and report to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.
After the transaction finishes, Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony.
The deal is expected to close in the fiscal year 2023 and will be accretive to non-GAAP earnings per share upon close.
