Microsoft aims to finalize the acquisition of Activision/Blizzard next week. This is contingent upon final approval from the UK's CMA, which Microsoft has already indicated is likely under the new terms.
The new deal was amended to include cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard games. transfers to Ubisoft and Microsoft has therefore not achieved a monopoly position in this market.
In the preliminary release explained the CMA:
"While the CMA has identified limited remaining concerns regarding the new contract, Microsoft has proposed remedial measures that, according to the CMA's preliminary conclusion, should address these issues. While the restructured deal is substantially different from the previous transaction and essentially resolves most concerns, the CMA has only limited remaining concerns that certain provisions in the sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft could be circumvented, terminated, or not enforced."
The first deadline ends today.
Under this condition, the CMA has officially given itself until today to gather various opinions on whether Microsoft should be allowed to proceed with the acquisition. The CMA intends to make a final decision next week, which Microsoft will immediately use as an opportunity to finally conclude the acquisition process, which has now lasted almost two years. The CMA had previously set a deadline of October 18th, partly to keep potential competitors out.
Currently, it is not expected that there will be any major objections to the takeover. Nevertheless, the EU authorities have announced that they will consider the merger. keep an eye on it will be, especially regarding whether Microsoft adheres to the agreed-upon arrangements.
According to sources, internally they have decided that... The Verge The date set is October 13th. Further details regarding this acquisition will follow next week.
