Microsoft previously considered acquiring Square Enix, Verge reports

As part of its aggressive approach to M&A, Microsoft (MSFT) previously mulled acquiring “Final Fantasy” publisher Square Enix (SQNXF), The Verge’s Andrew Webster reports, citing internal documents released as part of the FTC v. Microsoft hearings over the proposed takeover of Activision Blizzard (ATVI). According to such documents, the Xbox maker was interested in the Japanese publisher in part to bolster the console’s smaller presence in Asian markets and also to add more content to drive growth of Xbox Game Pass through blockbuster Square Enix releases, the author notes. Additionally, Microsoft was also interested in the company to bolster its mobile offerings, the author says.