Mergers and Acquisitions
Ongoing coverage on Mergers and Acquisitions.
Latest coverage
Microsoft to pay $250 million settlement over ‘rushed’ Activision purchase
Microsoft has agreed to pay a $250 million settlement related to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The settlement addresses concerns that the purchase was rushed. This news follows Microsoft's completion of the acquisition.
Four years later, Microsoft finally finishes fighting over the Activision acquisition
Microsoft has settled a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden for $250 million, resolving allegations that Activision Blizzard was sold too cheaply during Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition. The settlement also dismisses countersuits filed by former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and Microsoft. This resolution concludes a legal dispute that arose after the acquisition was finalized.
Embracer Founder Wants to Embrace M&A Again
Embracer Group founder and Chair Lars Wingefors has expressed a desire to re-engage in mergers and acquisitions following the spin-off of Fellowship Entertainment. This strategic shift was communicated in an open letter to investors on the company's website.
Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) CEO Strauss Zelnick does not rule out future acquisitions
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has not ruled out further acquisitions for the company, following recent purchases of Gearbox Software and Zynga. This suggests a continued strategy of portfolio expansion through strategic buyouts.
Opinion: Lars Wingefors is out of his mind
This opinion piece criticizes Embracer Group co-founder Lars Wingefors' handling of the company's M&A strategy and subsequent layoffs. The author argues Wingefors' recent statements downplay the negative impact on workers and franchises, calling his revisionism appalling and his continued interest in M&A a commitment to repeating past transgressions.
GameStop (GME) increases eBay stake to 6.5% despite rejected acquisition proposal
Video game retailer GameStop has increased its stake in eBay to 6.5%. This move comes despite a previously rejected acquisition proposal between the two companies.
Embracer chairman says cost control 'does not get enough respect' after presiding over years of layoffs
Embracer Group chairman Lars Wingefors defended the company's extensive layoffs and studio closures, stating that cost control is often underestimated. He argued that the company worked to retain as many employees as possible while balancing business needs. Wingefors' comments come amid ongoing restructuring and studio divestments following a significant investment collapse in 2023.
Pokémon Go 2 is out, but Niantic has big plans under new owner Scopely
Scopely president of games Ed Wu and head of M&A Heather Tacskovics discussed the company's $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic Games one year ago. They clarified that a direct sequel to Pokémon Go is unlikely, emphasizing a focus on community and exploration. The acquisition integrated Niantic's game portfolio, including Pokémon Go, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now, into Scopely's operations, while Niantic's tech division was spun out.
Embracer to spin off major video game franchises and studios
Embracer Group is spinning off its major video game franchises and studios into a new publicly listed company called Fellowship Entertainment, set to launch in 2027. This move aims to provide sharper management focus and clearer accountability for its diverse portfolio. Fellowship Entertainment will house key IPs like Darksiders, Dead Island, and Tomb Raider, alongside studios such as 4A Games and Crystal Dynamics.
Embracer Group split again spinning off their biggest IP, along with plans for IP partnerships
Embracer Group is undergoing another significant restructuring, splitting off Fellowship Entertainment, which will focus on publishing and IP licensing, including major franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider. The remaining Embracer Group will focus on its owned IPs and selective M&A. This move aims for sharper management focus and clearer accountability, with plans for Fellowship Entertainment to list on Nasdaq Stockholm by 2027. The company also plans external IP licensing for titles such as Saints Row and Deus Ex.
Mark Ruffalo Ngerasa Masuk Blacklist Paramount gegara Nentang Merger
Actor Mark Ruffalo believes he has been blacklisted by Paramount and Skydance for opposing their acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Ruffalo stated he is no longer considered a friend by those involved and feels compelled to speak out against what he perceives as bullying tactics. He also drew parallels to the Fox-Disney merger, which he claims led to significant job losses in the industry.
Politicians accuse Rockstar of obstructing legal process, eBay rebuffs GameStop, and video game hardware screams now - Patch Notes #52
This week's Patch Notes covers several key industry events, including politicians accusing Rockstar Games of obstructing legal processes related to union-busting allegations for Grand Theft Auto 6. eBay rejected a takeover bid from GameStop, while Nintendo cited geopolitical and technological factors for its Switch 2 price increases. Additionally, Subnautica 2 achieved over a million sales in its first hour, and Valve's new Steam Controller features an audible alert when dropped.
'Your proposal is neither credible nor attractive:' eBay rejects GameStop takeover bid
eBay has rejected an unsolicited takeover proposal from GameStop, with the eBay board stating the offer was neither "credible nor attractive." GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen's proposal, valued at $55.5 billion, was met with skepticism regarding its financing. eBay's board cited concerns about financing uncertainty, impact on long-term growth, and operational risks as reasons for rejection.
Paramount Klaim Gabungan dengan HBO Max Tak Sanggup Salip OTT Lain
Paramount Skydance argues that its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, including HBO Max, would not create a monopoly and would instead introduce new competitive energy into the entertainment ecosystem. Legal counsel Makan Delrahim stated that neither Paramount+ nor HBO Max currently possess the scale to effectively compete with leading streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The combined entity aims to merge Paramount+ with HBO Max in March 2026, though HBO would reportedly operate independently.
Apple acquired another company that could help build out its Creator Studio subscription
Apple has acquired Color.io, a company known for its color grading tools, in January. This acquisition is expected to bolster Apple's upcoming Creator Studio subscription service.
Protesters 'raid' EA to oppose Saudi Arabia acquisition
Protesters gathered at Electronic Arts headquarters to oppose the acquisition of the company by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The group attempted to deliver a petition signed by over 70,000 people but was denied direct access by security. Concerns were raised about potential layoffs, studio closures, and content restrictions due to the leveraged buyout and foreign influence.
New Batman game is happening but it’s not Batman Beyond says insider
An insider has dismissed rumors of a new Batman game based on Batman Beyond, stating that Rocksteady Studios' next project is unrelated to the animated series. While a fake leak with screenshots and details about the story and gameplay surfaced, journalist Jason Schreier confirmed it as false. Rocksteady is reportedly working on a new single-player Batman title following the performance of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League.
eBay has rejected GameStop’s takeover bid and says offer not “credible”
eBay has rejected GameStop's $56 billion takeover bid, stating the offer is neither credible nor attractive. eBay's chairman, Paul Pressler, expressed confidence in the company's current management and its ability to drive sustainable growth. Analysts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of GameStop's bid for a company significantly larger than itself.
"Your Proposal Is Neither Credible Nor Attractive" - eBay Rejects GameStop's Takeover Bid
eBay has officially rejected GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid, with Chairman Paul S. Pressler stating the proposal was "neither credible nor attractive." The company cited concerns about financing, operational risks, and eBay's standalone prospects. GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen previously expressed a desire to make eBay a stronger competitor to Amazon.
'Your Proposal Is Neither Credible Nor Attractive': eBay Rejects GameStop's 'Unsolicited' Acquisition
GameStop's unsolicited acquisition proposal for eBay, valued at approximately $56 billion, has been firmly rejected by eBay's Board of Directors. Chairman Paul S. Pressler cited several reasons for the rejection, including the lack of credibility and attractiveness of the proposal, uncertainty regarding financing, and potential negative impacts on eBay's long-term growth and profitability. The market has also expressed skepticism about GameStop's financial capability to complete such a transaction.
