Microsoft acquisition of ZeniMax Media gets EU nod Bethesda parent company ZeniMax Media was founded in 1999 by Chairman and CEO Robert Altman Monday March 8, 2021 4:59 PM, IANS London: The European Commission has approved Microsoft's $7.5 billion deal to acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, one of the largest, privately held game developers and publishers in the world. According to the EU, the deal "does not raise serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market." Microsoft originally announced its plans to acquire Bethesda in September. "Best-selling Gaming Franchises" Creators of critically acclaimed and best-selling gaming franchises, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, among many others, Bethesda brings an impressive portfolio of games, technology, talent, as well as a track record of blockbuster commercial success, to Xbox.