While the beginning of 2022 kicked off with surprising news that Microsoft is planning to purchase the entertainment conglomerate that is Activision Blizzard, the deal will not likely finalize well into the following fiscal year. Despite that, many post-arrangement plans were already revealed in anticipation that the acquisition does go through. For one, honoring marketing arrangements with PlayStation which Activision guaranteed in a statement.
Additionally, a separate statement verified the next three Call of Duty titles will remain multiplatform well into 2023. That was later disclosed to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 & the new Call of Duty Warzone sequel and the planned release for 2023. Elsewhere, corporate Microsoft also verified popular IPs will not be stripped from other platforms either.
Although there is many questioning if the deal is considered a monopoly, the deal appears to be in favor of stockholders for Activision Blizzard. In a new press release this week, a vote was held with roughly 98 percent backing the Microsoft acquisition.
Today’s overwhelmingly supportive vote by our stockholders confirms our shared belief that, combined with Microsoft, we will be even better positioned to create great value for our players, even greater opportunities for our employees, and to continue our focus on becoming an inspiring example of a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
Bobby Kotich, Activision CEO
The same press release also gives a more specific time frame for the deal to be finalized for those uncertain. In that, the acquisition if allowed by the United States government will be concluded ahead of July 2023. “Subject to customary closing conditions and the completion of regulatory review, the proposed transaction is expected to close in Microsoft’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.”
Other news on Microsoft’s intent with Activision Blizzard, the firm does not object to the idea of unionizing for the larger teams demanding the change, While Raven Software claims Activision in “union-busting” tactics, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is in favor of the idea. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by the massive support from stockholders for the Microsoft purchase?
Source: Activision
