UK Competition Authority Provisionally Approves Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
In a significant development, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally approved Microsoft’s acquisition of video game giant Activision Blizzard. This decision comes after the CMA had initially blocked the deal back in April. However, Microsoft managed to overcome this hurdle by restructuring the agreement and selling the cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft.
The CMA had raised concerns about Microsoft’s potential control over Activision content and the potential stifling of competition. The new deal addresses these concerns, according to the CMA. Nevertheless, the authority still has some limited concerns regarding certain provisions in the sale of cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft. Microsoft, however, has come forward with remedies to address these concerns, and the CMA believes they should be sufficient to resolve the issue.
The CMA’s decision is currently open for feedback until October 6th, after which a final decision is expected before the extended deadline of October 18. Microsoft remains encouraged by this positive development and continues to work towards final approval. The tech giant has already received approval for the acquisition in several other countries and recently won its case against the US Federal Trade Commission, which sought to block the deal.
Activision Blizzard CEO, Bobby Kotick, expressed his satisfaction with the CMA’s preliminary approval, emphasizing its criticality in completing the merger. He also expressed optimism about the future of gaming with Microsoft’s abundant resources coming into play.
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been making waves in the gaming industry. With Activision Blizzard being one of the largest video game companies in the world, this deal will see Microsoft expand its influence and bolster its position in the gaming market. The merger will bring together renowned franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush Saga under the Microsoft umbrella.
While gamers eagerly await the final decision from the CMA, this news has already generated a buzz around the possibilities and potential innovations that may arise from this powerhouse union. The gaming community will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding this acquisition and its impacts on the industry as a whole.
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