Activision concerned by EA's potential sports monopoly

The acquisition of Take-Two would give EA almost total control of the sports category.

Speaking to Reuters, Activision Chief Executive Bobby Kotick has revealed concern that should EA succeed in its efforts to acquire Take-Two it would give the video game publisher total control of the sports video game market.

"That's concerning, sure. When you think about one company in control of the sports category, with no competition from anybody else, that could be a challenge," Kotick said.

EA's current tender offer for all of the currently outstanding shares of common stock of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is set to expire on May 16, 2008. If successful EA would hold both its current sports brands and the successful 2K Sports label, which includes American Football, Ice Hockey, Tennis, Baseball and Boxing.