Mergers and Acquisitions
Ongoing coverage on Mergers and Acquisitions.
Latest coverage
Microsoft to pay $250M to settle lawsuit filed by aggrieved Activision Blizzard shareholders
Microsoft has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden (AP7) concerning its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit alleged that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick rushed the sale to avoid consequences of sexual harassment allegations. Microsoft stated it is settling to avoid litigation burdens and does not substantiate the claims of systemic misconduct.
Microsoft agrees to pay $250m to settle lawsuit over Activision Blizzard deal
Microsoft has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden AP7, which alleged that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick rushed the sale to Microsoft. The lawsuit claimed shareholders were deprived of a better stock price, though Microsoft and Kotick denied the allegations. The settlement, pending court approval, will be funded 40% by Microsoft and 60% by directors' and officers' liability insurance.
Former Activision Blizzard CEO claims Swedish pension fund’s lawsuit against Microsoft-Activision merger was a ploy to strengthen Embracer
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick alleges that a lawsuit filed by a Swedish pension fund against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was a tactic to benefit Embracer Group. The lawsuit reportedly aimed to strengthen Embracer's position during the merger process.
Former CEO Bobby Kotick claims lawsuit against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision was only filed to help Embracer
Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick claims a lawsuit filed by Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was intended to benefit Embracer Group. Kotick alleges the lawsuit aimed to hinder Activision's growth and talent acquisition in California. Embracer Group has denied these claims.
Microsoft (MSFT) to pay out $250 million settlement in Activision Blizzard Swedish pension lawsuit
Microsoft will pay a $250 million settlement in a Swedish pension lawsuit concerning the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit alleged that former CEO Bobby Kotick expedited the sale to secure personal benefits and retain his position.
Evening Legal Briefs
Microsoft has finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard after a four-year regulatory process. Separately, law enforcement announced a successful hack of a VPN service used by criminals, highlighting vulnerabilities in perceived online safety.
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.
