Private Equity Firms Explored Xbox Buyout at $100B–$150B Valuation

A group of private equity firms explored a possible acquisition of Microsoft’s Xbox gaming business at a valuation between $100 billion and $150 billion, according to The Information.

The discussions were exploratory and short-lived. They did not develop into formal negotiations with Microsoft, and the report did not identify the firms involved.

Crucially, Microsoft was not reported to have put Xbox up for sale. There was no acquisition offer, bid, or negotiation. The $100 billion to $150 billion range was the valuation reportedly considered by the private equity group, not an asking price set by Microsoft.

A Microsoft spokesperson gave The Information a direct response: “Xbox is not for sale.”

The distinction leaves the reported episode as an early assessment by outside investors rather than an attempted transaction. No formal process involving Microsoft was reported to have begun.

What do you make of the reported $100 billion to $150 billion valuation for Xbox?