It looks like Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has led a buyout of the company from its previous controlling shareholder, Vivendi. Activision Blizzard purchased 439 million shares from Vivendi for $5.83 billion while Kotick’s investment group purchased 172 million shares worth $2.34 billion. This investment group includes Davis Advisors, Leonard Green & Partners, Tencent, and Brian Kelly as its co-chair (alongside Kotick). After this transaction is completed, Vivendi will still own about 12% of the company.
“This transaction uniquely benefits the public shareholders,” Kotick said in an interview. “The commitment that we have from Vivendi to continue as a shareholder shows their enthusiasm for the business. My investment shows I’m committed and enthusiastic about the prospects of the business.”
