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  • July 2022 (Revised January 2025)
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Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard

By: Jonas Heese, Joseph Pacelli and James Barnett
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:23
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Abstract

In January 2022, Microsoft announces its acquisition of the video game company Activision Blizzard, in a deal valued at $68.7 billion, which would make Microsoft the world’s third largest video game company. The deal came as Activision Blizzard faced gender pay disparity and sexual harassment allegations.

Keywords

Accounting; Goodwill Accounting; Analysis; Decision Making; Talent and Talent Management; Games, Gaming, and Gambling; Ethics; Leadership; Risk and Uncertainty; Mergers and Acquisitions; Lawsuits and Litigation; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Video Game Industry; North America; California

Citation

Heese, Jonas, Joseph Pacelli, and James Barnett. "Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard." Harvard Business School Case 123-011, July 2022. (Revised January 2025.)
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About The Authors

Jonas Heese

Accounting and Management
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Joseph Pacelli

Accounting and Management
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Related Work

    • January 2023
    • Faculty Research

    Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard

    By: Jonas Heese and Joseph Pacelli
    • January 2023 (Revised March 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard

    By: Jonas Heese and Joseph Pacelli
    • July 2022 (Revised January 2025)
    • Faculty Research

    Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard

    By: Jonas Heese, Joseph Pacelli and James Barnett
Related Work
  • Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard By: Jonas Heese and Joseph Pacelli
  • Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard By: Jonas Heese and Joseph Pacelli
  • Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision Blizzard By: Jonas Heese, Joseph Pacelli and James Barnett
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