Simpson Thacher is representing Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT) in connection with its announced acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) for $75 billion. Reuters reported the deal as the largest-ever acquisition in the video gaming sector. The transaction is intended to close in Microsoft’s fiscal year 2023 and is subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and Activision Blizzard stockholder approval.
The planned acquisition includes iconic franchises from the Activision, Blizzard and King studios like Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Call of Duty and Candy Crush, in addition to global eSports activities through Major League Gaming.
The Simpson Thacher team includes Alan Klein, Anthony Vernace, William Allen and Beth DiSciullo (M&A); Greg Grogan and Patricia Adams (Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits); Lori Lesser, Bobbie Burrows and Suyoung Jang (IP/Privacy); Stephen Blake, Brooke Cucinella and Nicholas Orr (Litigation); Jonathan Goldstein and Eli Shalam (Tax); William Brentani (Capital Markets); Andrew Kofsky (Labor); Chris Brown (Credit); and Krista McManus (Real Estate).