According to a Puck article by Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Electronic Arts is looking for a strong partner to take it to the next level, with Microsoft and Activision Blizzard signing a $68.7 billion deal After the thunder of V, this desire will be stronger. During the M&A process, we’ll be amazed at the conversations EA’s lawyers and bankers have with giants like Disney, Apple, and Amazon. But before the impasse last month, Comcast’s exchange appeared to be the most concrete.
Brian Roberts’ proposal? Merge its subsidiary NBCUniversal (film, television and amusement park giant) with Electronic Arts. An explosive idea on paper, but also completely unbalanced, since the NBCUniversal group weighs far more than Electronic Arts, which has 35,000 employees. Unsurprisingly, the terms of such an operation would thus see the Roberts family take control of the new EA/Universal entity, just as Discovery’s management retained control following its recent mega merger with WarnerMedia.
Still, if Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was the ideal outlet for Robert Kotick to be attacked by the world, there’s no sign that his EA counterpart, the dashing Andrew Wilson, has in no way relinquished control of his business . Since taking office in 2013, the 47-year-old CEO has largely responded to the industry’s economic growth, enabling Electronic Arts to achieve its best annual result, with a turnover of more than 6 billion euros and a profit of more than 1 billion euros.
“EA is primarily interested in a merger deal that would keep Wilson as CEO of the combined company, the sources said.”, does indicate the source article. Talks with Comcast reportedly broke down last month over disagreements over the price and structure of the merger. A Comcast spokesman declined to comment, while EA said it would not comment on the merger. Comment on rumors and speculation.