Activision Blizzard board sets stock split

LOS ANGELES, July 11 The board of ActivisionBlizzard Inc ATVID.O, the newly merged video game publisher, approved a two-for-one split of its outstanding shares of common stock on Friday.

Stockholders will receive an additional share for each share of common stock held on the record date. The record date is currently undetermined, the company said in a statement, but it will be shortly after the day its self-tender offer closes.

"This action reflects our strong financial position and our confidence in the opportunities for future growth," Robert Kotick, president and chief executive of Activision Blizzard, said. "We believe the stock split will lead to wider ownership by making our stock accessible to a broader base of investors."

Activision Inc shareholders on Tuesday approved the merger with French telecommunications and media group Vivendi SA's (VIV.PA) games unit, creating a new public company to rival fellow game developer Electronic Arts Inc ERTS.O, the world's biggest independent game publisher.

Activision Blizzard, known for its best-selling "Guitar Hero" and "World of Warcraft" games, expects a strong financial showing in 2009 with annual revenue of $3.8 billion.

Activision Blizzard shares rose 82 cents, or 2.6 percent, at $32.59 in afternoon trading on Nasdaq. (Reporting by Jennifer Martinez; Editing by Nichola Groom/Jeffrey Benkoe)