Activision Blizzard buys out Vivendi for 8.2 billion dollars

Written by Brandon Hofer on July 26, 2013

News: Kotick’s investment firm becomes the majority stockholder in Activision Blizzard with Vivendi retaining 12% of shares.

Activision Blizzard is buying out Vivendi for 8.2 billion dollars. Activision is set to purchase 439 million shares from Vivendi for $5.83 billion in addition to an investment group by Kotick and co-chairman Brian Kelly, will purchase 172 million shares worth $2.34 billion. Now that Vivendi will no longer be a majority shareholder in the company, Activision Blizzard is in charge of their own fate. Activision Blizzard will now be led by Kotick and Kelly, whose investment group also includes Chinese operator Tencent, Davis Advisors and Leonard Green & Partners.

“These transactions together represent a tremendous opportunity for Activision Blizzard and all its shareholders, including Vivendi,” said Kotick.

“We should emerge even stronger, an independent company with a best-in-class franchise portfolio and the focus and flexibility to drive long-term shareholder value and expand our leadership position as one of the world’s most important entertainment companies. The transactions announced today will allow us to take advantage of attractive financing markets while still retaining more than $3 billion cash on hand to preserve financial stability.”

After this deal Vivendi will hold around 12% of the shares. What do you think about this announcement? Are you happy to see Activision get away from Vivendi?

Source: Games Industry International