Microsoft plans to buy Netflix for $190 billion

Reuters reports that Microsoft plans to buy Netflix for $190 billion, making it the company’s biggest acquisition after Activision Blizzard.

The acquisition could take place in the first half of 2023

CEO Satya Nadella is said to be “thinking big” and therefore looking to buy the streaming platform in the first half of 2023. Microsoft now needs to convince regulators that acquiring Activision Blizzard won’t hurt other market players.

Reuters also suggested that the Netflix acquisition would be easier to get through regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the European Union. The two companies are already closely linked.

Netflix has chosen Microsoft as its advertising partner for its new ad-supported subscription service. Microsoft president Brad Smith also sits on Netflix’s board of directors. At the core of the deal is Microsoft’s desire to offer a video game streaming service on its devices.