The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Microsoft's $68.7 billion deal with Activision Blizzard, reports The Verge.
We’ve cleared the new deal for Microsoft to buy Activision without cloud gaming rights.
— Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) October 13, 2023
In August, Microsoft made a concession that would see Ubisoft, instead of Microsoft, buy Activision’s cloud gaming rights.
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At the same time, the CMA said that the sale of cloud streaming rights must be completed before the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard is finalized.
We’re grateful for the CMA’s thorough review and decision today. We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition, which we believe will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide.
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) October 13, 2023
"We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition, which we believe will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide," he noted.
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent an email to his employees announcing the news.
“We now have all regulatory approvals necessary to close and we look forward to bringing joy and connection to even more players around the world,” he said. “We’re excited for our next chapter together with Microsoft and the endless possibilities it creates for you and for our players."
As a reminder, the CMA recently gave its preliminary consent to the merger. After that, negotiations on the final decision began. Later, it became known that Microsoft plans to complete the deal with Activision Blizzard on October 13.