Multiple Companies Wanted To Buy Activision Blizzard Before Microsoft

gamespot.com:

As Microsoft pushes ahead with its proposal to buy Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, the official prospectus for the deal has been filed with the US government, and it contains many insights and particulars about the offer and the background surrounding it. The lengthy document provides a timeline for how and when the deal came together, what Microsoft and Activision would have to pay if the deal falls through, and more, like how multiple other companies tried to buy Activision Blizzard, with one specifically looking to buy Blizzard alone.

Starting with the fees, Activision Blizzard must pay Microsoft $2.27 billion if it decides to terminate the deal, while Microsoft would have to pay Activision Blizzard between $2 billion and $3 billion if it backs out.

In terms of the background surrounding the deal, Activision Blizzard said it has always looked for ways to «strengthen Activision Blizzard's business and enhance stockholder value,» and this has included reviewing potential acquisition opportunities. The company did not, however, disclose the names of any companies that have sought to purchase Activision Blizzard over the years. However, it did clarify that no discussion about a buyout deal ever went beyond «preliminary discussions» until Microsoft made its bid in late 2021.

Activision Blizzard said it has maintained a relationship with Microsoft for more than two decades for Xbox and other endeavors, but it was on November 19, 2021 that conversations about a buyout emerged. That date is notable because it was just three days after The Wall Street Journal published its bombshell report on November 16 about Activision Blizzard's workplace culture and specifically how CEO Bobby Kotick reportedly knew about and covered