LogInThe massive acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has received its final approval from a UK regulator, paving the way for the deal to be finalized.
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After an almost three-year wait since the initial announcement, Microsoft has been given the green light to acquire Activision Blizzard, as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has granted approval for Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition. Following Microsoft's recent restructuring of the deal, which involved transferring cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft, the CMA has concluded that the acquisition can proceed. With this regulatory clearance, the path is now clear for the deal to be finalized.
The CMA sees Microsoft's concession as a significant development that will foster competition within the rapidly expanding cloud gaming industry.
"We delivered a clear message to Microsoft that the deal would be blocked unless they comprehensively addressed our concerns and stuck to our guns on that," said Sarah Cardell, the Chief Executive of the CMA. "With the sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we've made sure Microsoft can't have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market. As cloud gaming grows, this intervention will ensure people get more competitive prices, better services, and more choices. We are the only competition agency globally to have delivered this outcome," added Cardell.
Brad Smith, Microsoft's Vice Chair and President, has made a statement saying that they're grateful for the CMA's decision.
As for now, we are eagerly anticipating an update from Microsoft regarding the completion of the acquisition.
Speaking of Microsoft, the IRS has recently stated that Microsoft has $29 billion in unpaid taxes, while Microsoft claims to be innocent and is ready to challenge the decision made by the authorities. If you want to learn more, have a look at our recent article.
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