It is pretty difficult to separate yourself from the ongoing discussions that is for the Activision Blizzard deal for Microsoft. For more than a year now, the Xbox firm has continued to chase after this acquisition to bridge its platform with one of the largest publishers in the world. Previously, Microsoft was battling the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as part of an injunction suit to withhold the deal from processing.

The FTC used this effort to ultimately block the acquisition believing it would not better the market. Evidence such as the current actions of post-acquisition for Bethesda was used as ammunition in its battle. However, the court ruled in favor of Microsoft in the end as the firm moves closer to orchestrating the deal. But, the ‘war’ is not over just yet.

More than a month ago, the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal from being processed in its territory. Even more, it was also enacted by the regulator with more restraints walling Microsoft from reaching any conclusion to go ahead with the purchase. However, the deadline is to be extended given more time.

In a report from Reuters, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) ruled to extend the deadline for the acquisition after requested by Microsoft, Activision, and CMA. Originally, the deal was scheduled to be trialed on July 28th. Instead, the new clearance on the purchase for the $69 deal will be extended by two months roughly.

“Based upon the discussion to date, both sides – Microsoft and the CMA – have confidence that Microsoft notifying a restructured transaction is capable of addressing the concerns that the CMA has identified,” CMA lawyer David Bailey explains. Microsoft lawyer Daniel Beard adds, “The UK is the only impediment to closing (the deal) and speed is of the essence.”

Elsewhere, it is revealed that the merger agreement for Activision Blizzard is being extended as well. Not only will the ongoing trial face more time in the U.K., but also the same arrangement formed by Microsoft & the publisher. “Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have extended the merger agreement deadline to 10/18. We’re optimistic about getting this done, and excited about bringing more games to more players everywhere,” Xbox boss Phil Spencer wrote on Twitter.

What is your hope for the case after these new developments?

Source: Reuters