Activision Blizzard Set to be Dropped from Nasdaq Indexes Prior to Microsoft Acquisition

A correction has been made to the original article, which initially stated that Activision Blizzard would be delisted from the Nasdaq stock exchange. However, the company is actually being removed from the listed indexes due to the imminent Microsoft acquisition, which is expected to impact the index's integrity. As Microsoft prepares to acquire Activision Blizzard, the company will be removed from four Nasdaq indexes, including the Nasdaq-100 Index, the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index, the Nasdaq-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index, and the Nasdaq-100 ESG Index. The removal, announced by Nasdaq and reported by Eurogamer, will take effect before the market opens on Monday, July 17, with digital marketing agency The Trade Desk taking Activision Blizzard's place. This development follows the Federal Trade Commission's unsuccessful attempt to block the acquisition ahead of its administrative hearing in August. A US District Court judge recently ruled in Microsoft's favor, allowing the company to proceed with the transaction in the US before the July 18 deadline. However, the FTC has filed an appeal against this decision. If the deal is not completed by July 18, Microsoft will be required to pay a $3 billion fee to Activision Blizzard and renegotiate the terms. According to Microsoft, 39 countries have approved the merger, including the EU, although the UK remains a key point of contention after blocking the deal earlier this year. Microsoft is currently working on proposals for a modified acquisition to address regulator concerns.