Motley Fool Money One Step Closer to a $69B Deal
Jul 12, 2023
Bill Mann, an investment analyst renowned for his insights on mergers, and Mary Long, a savvy commentator on entertainment trends, break down several hot topics. They discuss the recent court ruling that allows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard to proceed, highlighting the regulatory landscape. Additionally, Mary examines the fading superhero genre and the evolving market for film adaptations of toy franchises, such as Mattel's Barbie, weighing the impact of nostalgia on audience preferences.
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FTC vs. Microsoft
- The FTC's attempt to block the Microsoft/Activision Blizzard deal failed.
- This might be good news for Microsoft and potentially Activision shareholders.
Antitrust Concerns
- Bill Mann questioned the basis of the antitrust hearing, as Microsoft and Activision weren't competitors.
- The judge seemingly agreed, focusing on consumer harm, a key element in US antitrust law.
Broadcom Expanding
- Broadcom's acquisition of VMware signals a move into cloud and software.
- Concessions were key to EU approval, highlighting regulators' focus on competition.