4 big deal reports: FTC falls flat in attempt to block Microsoft-Activision

Investing.com — Here is your Pro Recap of 4 head-turning deal dispatches you may have missed last week: uncertainties loom around the Microsoft-Activision deal; Broadcom-VMware receives EC approval; Exxon Mobil to acquire Denbury; and Stratasys receives a sweetened offer from 3D Systems.

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Regulatory drama continues to swirl around Microsoft-Activision

Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:) proposed buyout of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:), the largest deal in gaming history, continues to face regulatory obstacles in both the U.S. and the U.K.

But, at least on the U.S. side, Microsoft emerged victorious late Friday as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) lost its attempt to temporarily block the merger via a court injunction.

On the other hand, the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has extended its review period after receiving a modified proposal from Microsoft, which claimed material changes in circumstance, as Reuters reported Friday.

Activision shares closed the week with more than a 9% gain, while Microsoft was up around 2%.

VMware stock jumps following EC approval of Broadcom’s merger deal

Broadcom (NASDAQ:) obtained conditional approval from the European Commission for its $61 billion acquisition of VMware (NYSE:).

Broadcom has received legal clearance for the merger in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and Taiwan, along with foreign investment control clearance in all necessary jurisdictions.

Broadcom remains confident that the transaction will be closed within its fiscal year 2023.

VMware shares gained more than 10% this week, while Broadcom shares rose nearly 5%.

Exxon Mobil to buy Denbury for $4.9B

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:) said on Thursday it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Denbury Resources (NYSE:) for $4.9B in an all-stock transaction, as reported in real time on InvestingPro.

As per the agreement’s terms, Denbury shareholders will receive 0.84 shares of Exxon Mobil for each individual Denbury share they hold.

Stratasys shares jump on improved 3D Systems merger offer

Stratasys (NASDAQ:) shares surged nearly 9% on Thursday after 3D Systems (NYSE:) announced yet another enhanced offer to merge with Stratasys. Under the terms of this latest iteration, each Stratasys share would convert into $7.50 in cash and 1.5444 shares of the combined company, representing some 44% ownership for Stratasys shareholders.

And earlier this week, after Stratasys had rejected a second unsolicited partial special tender offer from Nano Dimension (NASDAQ:), Nano again revised the proposal – this time to $24.00 in cash from the prior $20.05 – for the purchase of 31.9%-36.9% of outstanding Stratasys ordinary shares.

All of this follows Stratasys’ agreement in May to be bought by Desktop Metal (NYSE:) in an all-stock $1.8 billion transaction. Stratasys has rejected 3D Systems’ previous offers, and says it is reviewing Nano’s latest bid.

Stratasys shares soared more than 17% for the week.

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