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September 5, 2008 8:44:38 PM CDT

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Vivendi to Buy Activision

Posted Dec 2, 07 2:49 PM CST in Technology,  Business 

(Newser) – Vivendi, producer of mega-hit World of Warcraft, today announced plans to merge operations with Activision, forming an independent video game behemoth to rival EA. Vivendi will buy 52% of Activision for $1.7 billion and $27.50 per share, the Times reports, a premium on Friday’s $22.15 closing price. Then Activision, re-dubbed Activision Blizzard, will take in all Vivendi’s game operations.

Activision’s CEO said merging was the best way for his company, which focuses on console games like Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk, to jump into the online gaming world Vivendi’s Warcraft dominates. For Vivendi, the deal increases exposure to entertainment’s fastest-growing sector. “Gaming is now a core business for Vivendi,” the CEO told the Wall Steet Journal.

Sources New York Times, Wall Street Journal

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Activision manager Daniyel Garcia demonstrates "Guitar Hero 3" videogame, during the E3 Media Business Summit at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif., Wed, July 11, 2007. (AP Photo/Stefano Paltera)   (Associated Press)
This photo released by Activision shows a screen grab from "Guitar Hero III."   (Associated Press)
Spidey pays a visit to Times Square in "Spider-Man 3," a new game for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and 3, and the Wii. Activision and Vivendi's interactive entertainment business are to merge in a deal...   (Associated Press)
Entertainment and telecom conglomerate Vivendi Chairman Jean-Bernard Levy, left, presents the group's half-year results in Paris, Friday Aug. 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)   (Associated Press)
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video game  • Guitar Hero  • World of Warcraft  • online gaming  • Activision  • Vivendi  • Tony Hawk


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