Activision Blizzard, one of the leading video game companies in the world, is a result of the merger between Activision and Blizzard Entertainment. But when did Activision acquire Blizzard? Let’s delve into the history of this significant acquisition.
Back in 2008, Activision, a prominent video game publisher, embarked on a groundbreaking deal to acquire Blizzard Entertainment, a renowned developer and publisher of popular games such as World of Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft. The acquisition was a monumental move, valued at a staggering $18.9 billion.
Prior to this acquisition, Blizzard Entertainment was owned by Vivendi Games, a subsidiary of the French conglomerate Vivendi. However, Activision saw the potential in Blizzard’s intellectual properties and wanted to unlock its value by separating it from such a massive conglomerate.
With the help of Tencent, a Chinese multinational technology conglomerate, Activision successfully purchased Blizzard from Vivendi. This move allowed Blizzard to integrate seamlessly with Activision and tap into the resources and expertise of the larger company.
On July 9, 2008, the merger between Activision and Vivendi Games was finalized, culminating in the creation of the new holding company, Activision Blizzard. This merger not only brought together two major players in the gaming industry but also marked the inclusion of the Blizzard brand name in the title of the resulting company.
Fast forward to July 25, 2013, and Activision Blizzard made another significant announcement. The company revealed that it had purchased approximately 429 million shares from its majority owner, Vivendi. This move allowed Activision Blizzard to gain more independence and control over its operations.
Since the acquisition, Activision Blizzard has continued to thrive in the gaming industry, producing and publishing highly successful titles across various platforms. The company’s portfolio boasts popular franchises like Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Candy Crush Saga, to name just a few.
Activision’s acquisition of Blizzard Entertainment took place in 2008, resulting in the formation of Activision Blizzard. This strategic move allowed Activision to unlock the potential of Blizzard’s valuable intellectual properties and establish itself as a dominant force in the gaming industry.
How Much Did Activision Buy Blizzard For In 2008?
Activision purchased Blizzard Entertainment in 2008 for a whopping $18.9 billion. This acquisition resulted in the formation of Activision Blizzard, as the two companies merged together. Prior to the acquisition, Blizzard Entertainment was owned by Vivendi Games. However, with Activision’s purchase, Blizzard Entertainment became a part of the newly formed Activision Blizzard. The deal was significant in the gaming industry and showcased the value and potential of Blizzard Entertainment as a leading game development company.
Why Was Blizzard Sold To Activision?
Blizzard was sold to Activision primarily to unlock the potential of Blizzard’s valuable intellectual properties and to separate it from the conglomerate Vivendi. The acquisition allowed Blizzard to have more control over its operations and creative decisions. Here are the key reasons behind the sale:
1. Unlocking Intellectual Property Value: Blizzard possesses a rich portfolio of highly successful gaming franchises, such as World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. By selling to Activision, Blizzard aimed to leverage Activision’s expertise in marketing and distribution to further capitalize on these intellectual properties. This move allowed Blizzard to tap into new markets and reach a wider audience, potentially increasing revenue and brand recognition.
2. Independence from Vivendi: Prior to the acquisition, Blizzard was part of Vivendi, a large multinational conglomerate. By separating from Vivendi and becoming a subsidiary of Activision, Blizzard gained more autonomy and control over its operations. This enabled Blizzard to make strategic decisions independently, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness to market trends and player demands.
3. Partnership with Activision: Activision is one of the largest and most successful video game publishers in the world. Joining forces with Activision provided Blizzard with access to their extensive resources, including marketing, distribution, and development expertise. This collaboration allowed Blizzard to strengthen its position in the gaming industry and explore new opportunities for growth.
4. Tencent’s Involvement: In addition to Activision, Tencent, a Chinese technology conglomerate, also played a role in the acquisition. Tencent’s investment in Activision helped facilitate the purchase of Blizzard, bringing additional financial support and potential market access in China, which is a significant gaming market.
The sale of Blizzard to Activision was driven by the desire to unlock the value of Blizzard’s intellectual properties, gain independence from Vivendi, benefit from Activision’s resources, and leverage Tencent’s involvement. This strategic move aimed to position Blizzard for continued success and growth in the highly competitive gaming industry.
Who Owned Activision Blizzard Before Microsoft?
Before Microsoft, Activision Blizzard was owned by Vivendi. Vivendi, a French media conglomerate, originally owned Blizzard Entertainment, the company behind popular games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. However, in 2008, Activision and Blizzard merged to form Activision Blizzard, with Vivendi becoming the majority shareholder.
This merger was part of a larger deal in which Activision Blizzard acquired its independence from Vivendi. Vivendi agreed to sell a majority stake in Activision Blizzard to a consortium led by Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and Co-Chairman Brian Kelly. This deal, known as the “Activision Blizzard transaction,” was valued at approximately $8.2 billion.
In 2013, there was another significant ownership change for Activision Blizzard. Activision Blizzard announced that it would acquire a majority of Vivendi’s stake in the company, amounting to approximately $5.83 billion. This move allowed Activision Blizzard to become an independent company, effectively ending its relationship with Vivendi.
It is important to note that while Activision Blizzard was owned by Vivendi before Microsoft, Microsoft has never owned Activision Blizzard. Microsoft made its own separate acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2022, long after its previous ownership by Vivendi.
When Was Blizzard Sold?
Blizzard Entertainment, a renowned video game company, was not sold in its entirety. However, on July 9, 2008, Activision and Vivendi Games merged, leading to the formation of a new holding company. This merger resulted in the inclusion of the Blizzard brand name in the title of the newly formed company.
Furthermore, on July 25, 2013, Activision Blizzard, the holding company, announced the purchase of 429 million shares from its majority owner, Vivendi. This transaction allowed Activision Blizzard to gain more control and independence as a company. However, it is important to note that Blizzard Entertainment remains a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard and has not been completely sold.
Conclusion
Activision has established itself as one of the leading companies in the gaming industry. With its acquisition of Blizzard Entertainment in 2008, the company has expanded its portfolio of highly successful and popular intellectual properties.
The merger with Vivendi Games not only allowed Activision to gain control of Blizzard, but also unlocked the potential of Blizzard’s valuable assets and franchises. This move has proven to be highly beneficial for Activision, as it has allowed them to tap into the massive fan base and loyal following that Blizzard games enjoy.
The acquisition of Blizzard also marked a significant milestone for Activision, as it solidified the company’s position in the global gaming market. The combination of Activision’s expertise in game development and publishing, along with Blizzard’s unmatched creativity and innovation, has resulted in the creation of some of the most iconic and successful games in recent years.
Furthermore, the purchase of majority shares from Vivendi in 2013 demonstrates Activision’s commitment to maintaining its independence and control over its own destiny. This strategic move has allowed Activision to have more autonomy in decision-making and to focus on further expanding its offerings and reaching new audiences.
Activision’s acquisition of Blizzard has proven to be a game-changer for the company. With a strong lineup of successful franchises and a dedicated fan base, Activision is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the ever-evolving gaming industry.
