A new report suggests that media conglomerate Vivendi is still interested in selling its majority stake in Activision Blizzard to any potential buyers.
According to CVG, a credible source connected to the matter has said that the sale "absolutely remains under consideration" and that Vivendi is exploring its business options in a bid to pay off its 14 billion (Euro) debt, and counter the long-term decline of its share value, which has apparently halved since 2007.
Earlier last month, rumours persisted that Microsoft and Time Warner were among interested buyers of Activision Blizzard, which parent company Vivendi has actively been trying to sell. However, Vivendi has struggled to sell Blizzard, and have still have not had a reported sale result or deal.
Vivendi itself owns a 61% stake in Activision Blizzard, which it acquired in 2008. Activision Blizzard’s value is currently estimated at $13.4 billion, making Vivendi’s stake worth approximately $8 billion. Vivendi’s current debt, however, has spurned the company to make a sale since early June, but has not had any success with their many reported buyers, including Microsoft, Disney, Tencent and Nexon.
CVG reports that Microsoft did indeed have talks with Vivendi, but negotiations did not advance. Sony is also believed to have immediately ruled out acquiring Activision Blizzard for reasons unknown.
Source: CVG
By Nathan Misa