With the transaction, Microsoft to become the third-largest gaming company by revenue globally.
January 18, 2022
Microsoft Corp. has announced plans to acquire Activision Blizzard to increase Microsoft’s gaming business across mobile, PC, console and cloud and will provide building blocks for the metaverse.
Microsoft will acquire Activision Blizzard for $95.00 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at $68.7 billion, inclusive of Activision Blizzard’s net cash.
Microsoft will become the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue when the transaction closes, behind Tencent and Sony. The planned acquisition includes franchises from Activision, Blizzard and King studios like “Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch,” “Call of Duty” and “Candy Crush” in addition to global esports activities through Major League Gaming.
The company has studios around the world with nearly 10,000 employees. Bobby Kotick will continue to serve as chief executive officer, Activision Blizzard, and his team will focus on further driving efforts to further strengthen the company’s culture and accelerate business growth. Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, chief executive officer, Microsoft Gaming.