Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition Cleared by U.K. Regulator, Finally Paving Path for Deal to Close

variety.com:

Todd Spangler NY Digital Editor Microsoft‘s deal to buy Activision Blizzard got the green light Friday from regulators in the U.K. — clearing the way for the $68.7 billion blockbuster acquisition to close nearly two years after it was announced.

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Friday, Oct. 13, announced the approval of the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition.

The regulatory agency cited Microsoft’s concession in August 2023 to transfer Activision’s cloud-gaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment for current and new titles released over the next 15 years as “a game-changer that will promote competition.” The deal — the largest to date in the video game industry — will dramatically expand Microsoft’s already sizable Xbox video game business, adding Activision Blizzard titles including “Call of Duty,” “Candy Crush,” “World of Warcraft,” “Diablo,” “Overwatch” and “Hearthstone.” “We’re grateful for the CMA’s thorough review and decision today,” Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith said in a post on X/Twitter.

We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition, which we believe will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide.” In an email to employees sent Friday, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick wrote, “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… We’re excited for our next chapter together with Microsoft and the endless possibilities it creates for you and for our players.” Microsoft first announced its agreement to buy Activision Blizzard in January 2022.