July 2022
Case
HBS Case Collection

Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision

By: Joseph Pacelli, Jonas Heese and James Barnett

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:18

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; Entertainment and Recreation Industry; Video Game Industry; North America; California

Citation

Pacelli, Joseph, Jonas Heese, and James Barnett. "Call of Fiduciary Duty: Microsoft Acquires Activision." Harvard Business School Case 123-011, July 2022.