Activision Blizzard shareholders approve Microsoft takeover proposal

Microsoft bought gaming giant Activision Blizzard for $95 a share in January, bringing the total value of the deal to $68.7 billion, making it the most expensive acquisition in Microsoft’s history. However, there was a lot of bad news about the deal. For example, the involvement of SOC Investment Group, four U.S. senators teamed up to send a letter to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to challenge, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate possible insider trading in acquisitions, etc.

Despite the resistance, both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are working hard to get the deal going. According to relevant media reports, at Activision Blizzard’s extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, Microsoft’s acquisition proposal has been approved overwhelmingly in favor. “Today’s overwhelmingly supportive vote by our stockholders confirms our shared belief that, combined with Microsoft, we will be even better positioned to create great value for our players, even greater opportunities for our employees, and to continue our focus on becoming an inspiring example of a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard.

Although Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a positive step forward, reports point out that many investors and analysts are skeptical that the deal will actually yield satisfactory results. In recent years, regulators have strengthened the approval of such large-scale mergers and acquisitions, and market concerns have also affected Activision Blizzard’s stock price to a certain extent, and there has been a recent downward trend.