Media: Microsoft began negotiations to buy Activision Blizzard three days after the exposure of Bobby Kotick

On November 16, The Wall Street Journal published an article about big problems at Activision Blizzard . Journalists accused the head of the company, Bobby Kotick , of covering up violations by the leaders. Allegedly, the CEO knew about the harassment and defended those responsible.

CNBC reports that three days after the publication , Microsoft offered to acquire Activision Blizzard . The publisher's shares fell 11%, which was the best moment to make a deal.

During a conversation between Xbox CEO Phil Spencer and Kotick, the former raised the issue that his parent company was interested in discussing strategic opportunities with Activision. Blizzard, and offered to talk to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella . Kotick agreed, and Nadella offered to buy Activision Blizzard shares for $80 each. During the negotiations, the designated amount increased to $95.

Interestingly, on the same day, November 19, Spencer announced a "review of relations" with Activision Blizzard. Two months later, Microsoft announced the purchase of the publishing house for $69 billion. It is expected that the head of Activision Blizzard will remain in office until the completion of the transaction, which they intend to close by July 2023.

According to CNBC, Kotick offered to buy Activision Blizzard to four other companies and one individual, whose name was not released. The latter expressed interest in acquiring the Blizzard segment or the entire publishing house.