Although the deal was originally announced in December, Activision shareholders have finally given approval today to merge with French telecommunications and media group Vivendi SA"s games unit, Blizzard, creating a public company called Activision Blizzard. 92% of shares voted were in favor of the merger, which is expected to close on July 9. The deal gives Vivendi, creator of "World of Warcraft," a 52% ownership stake in the new company that would have annual revenue of $3.8 billion and more heft to take on Electronic Arts, the world"s biggest independent game publisher.