Blizzard was sold on July 9, 2008, when Activision merged with Vivendi Games. This merger resulted in the creation of a new holding company, which included the Blizzard brand name in its title. The merger was a significant event in the gaming industry, bringing together two major players in the market.
I remember when the news of the merger broke, there was a lot of speculation and excitement among gamers. Both Activision and Blizzard were well-known for their successful game franchises, such as Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, respectively. The merger promised to combine the strengths of both companies and create even more impressive gaming experiences.
However, it was not until July 25, 2013, that Activision Blizzard made another significant move in its ownership structure. On this day, the company announced the purchase of 429 million shares from its majority owner, Vivendi. This move allowed Activision Blizzard to become an independent company, with Vivendi reducing its stake in the company.
The purchase of shares from Vivendi was a strategic decision by Activision Blizzard to gain more control over its operations and future direction. It was a significant step towards establishing itself as a leading player in the gaming industry. This move also had financial implications, as it allowed Activision Blizzard to free itself from Vivendi’s influence and focus on its own growth and development.
The sale of shares from Vivendi marked a new chapter in the history of Blizzard. It demonstrated the company’s commitment to its independence and its determination to shape its own destiny. Since then, Activision Blizzard has continued to release successful games and expand its presence in the industry.
The sale of Blizzard occurred in two significant stages. The initial merger with Activision in 2008 brought Blizzard under the umbrella of a new holding company. Then, in 2013, Activision Blizzard took a major step towards independence by purchasing shares from Vivendi. These events have played a crucial role in shaping the current landscape of the gaming industry and the success of Blizzard as a prominent game developer.