SEC and EU approve Microsoft's Bethesda acquisition

Published at 08/03/2021 at 02:13 By David W. Duffy

The colossal $7.5bn deal is a lot closer to completion after the two regulating bodies gave the official all-clear for Microsoft to acquire Bethesda parent company ZeniMax.

SEC and EU approve Microsoft's Bethesda acquisition

Initially announced in September 2020, the deal drew increased scrutiny from both the US Securities & Exchange Commission and the European Commission, given the size of the agreement.

However, now both have given their blessing to the acquisition, having come to the conclusion that competition law hasn't been breached.

Today is a special day… We are THRILLED to welcome the talented teams and beloved game franchises of @Bethesda to Team Xbox!

Read the full announce from @XboxP3: https://t.co/Jn0HcTJ9Mi pic.twitter.com/iQVutgT6zq
— Xbox (@Xbox) September 21, 2020

The deal sees Microsoft add eight more dev teams to its roster, including:

Bethesda Game Studios
ZeniMax Online Studios
id Software
Arkane
MachineGames
Tango Gameworks
Alpha Dog
Roundhouse Studios

Together, they are responsible for some massive franchises, including Elder Scrolls, DOOM, Fallout, Wolfenstein and Dishonored.

Microsoft to acquire Bethesda parent ZeniMax

In a massive industry move, Microsoft has agreed to purchase ZeniMax Media, most notably the parent company of Fallout and Elder Scrolls owners Bethesda.

David W. Duffy

Editor in Chief, MGG EN | Repatriated Geordie, former teacher, grammarian. Editor of many things for a decade and a half, most of which you've probably never heard of.