Once the deal closes, the Activision Blizzard business will report to Phil Spencer, who heads Microsoft Gaming. The deal value includes Activision’s net cash.
Microsoft Corp. said it’s buying Activision Blizzard Inc. in a $68.7 billion deal ($92.8 billion) uniting two of the biggest forces in video games to create the world’s third-biggest gaming company.
In its largest purchase ever, Microsoft will pay US$95 a share in cash for one of the most legendary gaming publishers, known for titles like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft but which is also grappling with a cultural upheaval over its treatment of women. Activision Chief Executive Officer Bobby Kotick will continue to serve in that role, Microsoft said.
