One of the biggest tech stories of the last year is Microsoft's buyout of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. The key executives involved in the deal have not spoken often about the controversial acquisition. However, speaking to Bloomberg this week, Microsoft Gaming and Xbox head Phil Spencer has offered his feelings on the deal.
It is worth noting that the deal is not yet finalized as Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are still clearing regulatory hurdles around the world. Approval from regulatory authorities is slowly happening, and Spence says he is confident about the situation.
He also conceded that his confidence could be unfounded, considering he has little experience of deals of $70 billion before… few have.
Spencer says he understands the need for scrutiny into acquisitions like this, and in fact, he says he welcomes it. Furthermore, the executive admits regulators have been pressing Microsoft to find out why the company wants to purchase Activision Blizzard.
Critics
Microsoft's goal is to be transparent with regulators, Spencer adds. He says the company wants to reassure authorities that this is not a monopolizing move designed to shut out rivals like Sony and Nintendo.
Sony has been a critic of the deal. One of Sony's main concerns is that Microsoft buying Activision Blizzard will harm the competition. The PlayStation company is not alone, it is a worry shared by many. In buying the developer, Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft, Candy Crush, and other triple-A franchises will fall under Microsoft's wing.
Regulators likely share the same concerns. Microsoft being able to ease those worries will play a massive role in whether the acquisition goes ahead.
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