Microsoft has agreed to acquire video game maker Activision Blizzard for about $68.7 billion, including net cash, in the biggest deal ever made by the technology company founded by Bill Gates.
Under the terms of the deal, Microsoft would pay $95 per share to shareholders of the company responsible for video game franchises such as “Call of Duty,” “Warcraft” and “Candy Crush,” a 45% premium from the closing price of the bonds at the end of last week.
This is the latest in the wave of transactions happening in the video game industry. Last week, Take-Two Interactive, maker of the popular “Grand Theft Auto” video game series, agreed to acquire rival Zenga, creator of “FarmVille” and “Words With Friends”, for $12.7 billion ( BRL 69.9 billion).
“Video games are the most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment, across all platforms, and will play a crucial role in the development of the metaverse platforms,” said Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chief executive and board of directors.
“We are investing deeply in world-class content, community development and cloud computing to usher in a new era of gaming that puts gamers and creators first and makes gaming safe, inclusive and accessible for everyone” .
Activision shares were up 37% in pre-opening trades after the deal was announced.
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