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