Microsoft Announces , $68.7 Billion Deal , to Acquire Activision Blizzard.<br />Microsoft Announces , $68.7 Billion Deal , to Acquire Activision Blizzard.<br />On January 18, Microsoft announced its largest <br />takeover in the company's 46-year history with the <br />purchase of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in cash. .<br />On January 18, Microsoft announced its largest <br />takeover in the company's 46-year history with the <br />purchase of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in cash. .<br />'The New York Times' reports that the deal represents a powerful move for Microsoft in the battle for dominance in the emerging metaverse. .<br />'NYT' describes the metaverse as a next-generation <br />internet that combines virtual and augmented reality <br />with the traditional online world. .<br />The announcement of the deal comes <br />after accusations of sexual harassment <br />and discrimination that were reportedly ignored <br />by senior Activision and Blizzard executives. .<br />The announcement of the deal comes <br />after accusations of sexual harassment <br />and discrimination that were reportedly ignored <br />by senior Activision and Blizzard executives. .<br />In the wake of those accusations and <br />an associated California lawsuit over the matter, <br />Activision shares have fallen 27%. .<br />In the wake of those accusations and <br />an associated California lawsuit over the matter, <br />Activision shares have fallen 27%. .<br />'NYT' reports that the deal may be viewed as a win for Bobby Kotick, Activision's chief executive. .<br />Microsoft is reportedly paying $95 a share, approximately 45% above Activision's stock price. .<br />Kotick, who critics have called to resign <br />over the controversy, will reportedly <br />continue running the company. .<br />Kotick, who critics have called to resign <br />over the controversy, will reportedly <br />continue running the company. .<br />According to 'NYT,' the decision also <br />represents a challenge to regulators in Washington. .<br />Both Republicans and Democrats have pushed <br />to rein in the ever-growing power <br />of tech industry powerhouses like Microsoft. .<br />Both Republicans and Democrats have pushed <br />to rein in the ever-growing power <br />of tech industry powerhouses like Microsoft.
