Here's something that could be potentially huge. Microsoft is apparently in the running to purchase Vivendi's 60 percent share of Activision Blizzard, along with Time Warner, Chinese investment company Tencent Holdings and other private equity companies who are reportedly looking to acquire a stake in Activision.

Apparently, debt-plagued Vivendi is "testing the appetite" for any interested parties that want to buy a portion or the entirety of its 60 percent share. According to Reuters, the sale process has yet to commence, but Vivendi is currently weighing up possible cash buyers.

Should Vivendi successfully sell off its 60% share of Activision Blizzard, it would help raise $10 billion for the seller's share price. Meanwhile, the Reuters source noted that Microsoft acquiring a majority share in Activision seems unlikely with next-gen consoles on the horizon, although those big Acti franchises could prove enticing. "They probably don't want to distract themselves too much, but they are the ones who, if they want to stay in games, would think about owning some of these big franchises, not just providing the consoles."

Looks like another 'wait and see, but take with a pinch of salt' rumour then.

[Via OXM]