Microsoft Completes Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
October 13, 2023 – Microsoft announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary. The announcement came just hours after the Competition & Markets Authority in the UK, which was the final hurdle for the acquisition, gave its approval. Along with the announcement, a trailer was also released.
Microsoft initially announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion (approximately 10.3 trillion yen) on January 18, 2022. The company estimated that the acquisition would be completed in the 2023 fiscal year, and it has stayed within that expected timeframe. However, Microsoft faced challenges from regulatory authorities in various countries, with concerns raised under antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission in the United States even filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary injunction to halt the acquisition, leading to a series of twists and turns.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, expressed his welcome to Activision Blizzard’s participation in a contribution to Xbox Wire. He stated that they will begin the work of introducing Activision Blizzard and King titles to various platforms such as Xbox Game Pass. More details will be announced gradually over the next few months.
In response to the acquisition, Activision Blizzard tweeted, “It’s a big day for us. Today, we join Team Xbox. All of our history and success leading to this moment is because of you – our incredible gaming community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The completion of the acquisition marks a significant milestone for Microsoft as it expands its presence in the gaming industry and strengthens its portfolio of popular game titles.
What were the challenges faced by Microsoft during the acquisition process of Activision Blizzard?
Microsoft Successfully Completes Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
October 13, 2023 – In an exciting development for the gaming industry, Microsoft has officially announced the completion of its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal has transformed Activision Blizzard into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Microsoft. This news comes after the Competition & Markets Authority in the UK gave its approval, which was the final hurdle for the acquisition. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Microsoft also released a captivating trailer.
The journey towards this acquisition began on January 18, 2022, when Microsoft initially expressed its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. They estimated that the acquisition would be finalized during the 2023 fiscal year, and true to their word, Microsoft has stayed within that expected timeframe. However, the road wasn’t without its challenges, as regulatory authorities in various countries expressed concerns under antitrust laws. The United States’ Federal Trade Commission even filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary injunction to halt the acquisition, resulting in a series of twists and turns.
In a statement published on Xbox Wire, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, warmly welcomed Activision Blizzard’s involvement. He expressed excitement about the upcoming integration of Activision Blizzard and King titles onto various platforms, including Xbox Game Pass. Additional details about this integration will be gradually unveiled over the next few months.
Activision Blizzard also joined in the celebration, taking to Twitter and exclaiming, “It’s a big day for us. Today, we join Team Xbox. All of our history and success leading to this moment is because of you – our incredible gaming community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
With the completion of this acquisition, Microsoft takes a significant stride in expanding its presence in the gaming industry and enhancing its collection of popular game titles. This move sets the stage for an even more engaging and exciting future for Microsoft and its gaming enthusiasts.
Wow, this is huge news for the gaming industry!
I can’t wait to see what new games and innovations come from this merger!