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Activision and Vivendi merger pushing through

Shareholders back vast tie-up

92% of Activision shareholders yesterday approved the merger with Vivendi, the vote the final potential stumbling block ahead of the epic coming-together, which should now conclude today.

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The merger between the two giant publishers will create a new enlarged group, dubbed Activision Blizzard, which will also see Vivendi take a 52% controlling share in Activision.

Acti chief Bobby Kotick will head the new super-firm, and it looks as if Activision will be calling the shots, at least in Europe, where employees of both companies are now fearful about job cuts and the like.

The deal is of course in the main powered by the financial might of World of Warcraft, Vivendi's subscription-based phenomenon, which has funded Vivendi's side of the bargain.

The new firm should generate an interesting tussle with former market-leader EA, who are also trying to expand via a proposed take-over of GTA publisher Take-Two. More intrigue soon.