Mergers and Acquisitions
Ongoing coverage on Mergers and Acquisitions.
Latest coverage
Business and Finance
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is reportedly set to receive approval from the European Union for its deal with Electronic Arts. The approval is expected under specific subsidy rules, according to sources.
Saudi Arabia’s EA Takeover Reportedly Set To Clear EU Hurdle
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly set to receive approval from the European Union for its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by the end of July. Despite initial concerns and gamer protests, the deal is expected to pass EU regulatory review under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. This acquisition would be the second-largest in gaming history, following Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard.
"I would fight it tooth and nail": The Sims artist would challenge any mandate to reduce diversity after EA Saudi buyout
The Sims senior character artist Jess Hyland stated she would strongly oppose any mandate to reduce diversity in the game following Electronic Arts' acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. While Hyland has not heard of any such mandate, she expressed concerns shared by players and former developers about potential cultural shifts impacting the game's inclusive design.
Evening Reading - July 16, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various industry news, including layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, the Call of Duty League Championship, and NVIDIA's expansion into Japan. It also features reviews for Denshattack! and Buc-ee's, a look back at Two Point Studios' decade, and mentions of Netflix's earnings and Hasbro's deal with Nintendo for Legend of Zelda toys. The article also highlights rotoscoping in indie game development and includes a personal reflection from CEO Asif Khan.
Evening Metaverse
Verizon is retiring its Community Forum on August 18th. Separately, reports indicate Comcast is considering acquiring its cable rival Charter, signaling potential consolidation in the telecommunications industry.
Evening Legal Briefs
A judge has denied an injunction sought in a consumer lawsuit challenging the merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The ruling allows the merger process to continue without immediate legal impediment from this specific consumer action.
Hyundai reportedly looking to take total control of robotics giant Boston Dynamics
Hyundai is reportedly looking to acquire full ownership of the robotics giant Boston Dynamics. This move would consolidate Hyundai's control over the advanced robotics company.
Business and Finance
Paramount is facing an antitrust challenge from state attorneys general regarding its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Additionally, a Paramount shareholder has filed a lawsuit against the Ellisons and the board, alleging a side deal with Donald Trump.
You Can Now Order Games And Consoles From GameStop With Uber Eats
GameStop has partnered with Uber Eats, allowing customers to order games, consoles, and collectibles through the delivery app. This collaboration expands Uber Eats' retail offerings, which already include stores like Best Buy and Target. The article also touches on GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen's ongoing pursuit of acquiring eBay and the potential impact of Sony phasing out physical game discs on GameStop's business model.
Stripe and Advent to acquire PayPal (PYPL) for over $53 billion according to Reuters report
Stripe and Advent International have reportedly made a joint offer to acquire PayPal for over $53 billion, or $60.50 per share. This offer represents a significant premium over PayPal's recent stock performance, which has declined over the year amid increasing competition. Both companies would take a 50% stake if the deal closes, though PayPal, Stripe, and Advent have yet to comment.
Evening Legal Briefs
The Writers Guild of America has filed a lawsuit to block the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. Separately, a lawsuit claims Meta Platforms made layoff decisions using AI rather than human judgment.
The WGA is also suing to block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
The Writers Guild of America is taking legal action to prevent the potential merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. The union's lawsuit aims to block the consolidation of media assets overseen by a single family.
Hollywood still has time to avoid the gaming industry's disastrous consolidation endgame
The article draws parallels between Hollywood's historical consolidation and the current state of the gaming industry, highlighting the risks of fewer companies controlling more assets. It discusses the potential negative impacts of mergers, such as layoffs and reduced creative diversity, using examples like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. California's lawsuit to block the latter merger is presented as a potential regulatory intervention.
Aream & Co: Gaming M&A hits $2.3bn in Q2, highest level since 2022
Gaming mergers and acquisitions reached $2.3 billion in Q2 2026, marking the highest level since 2022, according to Aream & Co. Mid-market acquisitions, particularly in PC and mobile gaming, drove this growth. Despite a decline in mobile installs and spending, PC gaming saw a 13% increase, and Nintendo reported significant revenue gains from its Switch 2 hardware and software.
US States Are Trying to Stop Paramount Skydance From Owning Mortal Kombat (And Everything Else)
A coalition of 12 US state attorneys general is suing Paramount Skydance to block its proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, citing violations of antitrust laws. The states argue the merger would stifle competition, reduce content quality, and harm movie theaters. Paramount Skydance contends the lawsuit misapplies antitrust laws and that the merger is necessary to compete with streaming giants like Netflix. The acquisition would also transfer ownership of Warner Bros. Games, including studios like NetherRealm Studios and Portkey Games, to Paramount Skydance.
Former Epic Games VP Steve Allison appointed chief business officer at Saber Interactive
Former Epic Games vice president Steve Allison has been appointed chief business officer at Saber Interactive, where he will oversee publishing, marketing, and revenue opportunities. Allison brings over thirty years of industry experience, including his work on the Epic Games Store. Saber Interactive was previously owned by Embracer before being sold to Beacon Interactive, a company founded by Saber's CEO Matthew Karch.
Business and Finance
Twelve state Attorneys General are suing to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The article also briefly mentions Grand Theft Auto VI and The Last Blockbuster.
State AGs sue to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger
A dozen state attorneys general have filed an antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the proposed merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The legal action aims to prevent the consolidation of these major media companies.
Oh look, the BBC and Channel 4 are in talks to merge streaming services... yet again
The BBC and Channel 4 are reportedly in discussions to merge their streaming services, marking the third such attempt since 2007. Previous collaborations involving ITV did not come to fruition. The current talks aim to consolidate their offerings in the UK market.
Atari appoints Andreas Deptolla as president of Atari Europe
Atari has appointed Andreas Deptolla as the new president of Atari Europe. Deptolla, formerly the chief technology officer, aims to strengthen Atari's network of publishers, studios, and partners across the region. The company is also focused on expanding existing European studios and is open to strategic acquisitions while continuing to invest in talent and high-quality projects.
