Microsoft is still waiting for approval for its deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, and there's some new details about the SEC filing regarding the merger and some updates that have taken place. The new statement says there have been no discussions regarding Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick and his potential position once the deal is finalized. There is also a potential new detail on the pending California case against Activision Blizzard.
Kotick is widely expected to leave the company with a deal after the acquisition is finalized, but this new addition claims there have been no discussions or negotiations. First reported by Axios’ Stephen Totilo, the change is new to the official Proxy statement. It reads, as of April 15, 2022:
"No discussions or negotiations regarding post-closing employment arrangements with Microsoft occurred between Microsoft and Mr. Kotick prior to the approval and execution of the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, or have occurred subsequent to such approval and execution, through the date hereof.”
On Friday, Activision added a line to its main filing about the planned sale to Microsoft, stressing that Microsoft and Bobby Kotick haven't discussed nor negotiated his post-merger employment status.https://t.co/w9N3sXZM2gHmmm pic.twitter.com/dWqhxj8TbG
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) April 18, 2022
The deal has to pass several regulatory hurdles before it’s final, and there have already been a few challenges to be worked out. One of them regards the SEC filing as “misleading” due to statements about there being no known unionization efforts, even as there have been unionization and strike actions.
Meanwhile, there is a new report following up on last week’s resignation of a top lawyer at California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) in protest of her former boss’ firing. The employee, Melanie Proctor, sent an email alleging that Governor Newsom in California had “ repeatedly demanded advance notice of litigation strategy end of next steps in the litigation” and that Newsom’s requests were “mimicking the interests of Activision’s counsel”.
In a report by Politico, it's noted that Casey Wasserman, a director at Activision Blizzard and a board member, donated $100,000 to the Stop the Republican Recall of Governor Newsom Campaign, which was documented in campaign finance records.
Through statements via spokespeople, the Newsom administration denied interference or any other accusations of meddling, and reiterated support for the DFEH.
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