It has been a long process since Microsoft announced they were in agreement to acquire Activision Blizzard and it looks like it’s going to close very soon. The final approval we’ve been waiting for was from the CMA as they opposed the acquisition because the UK Regulators felt it would provide unfair competition in cloud gaming.

Today, The UK Regulators have finally approved the $68.7 Billion Microsoft Activision Blizzard deal and what made it easier to approve this was creating a cloud partnership with Ubisoft.

Vice Chair and President at Microsoft, Brad Smith shared on Twitter that the team is grateful for the CMA’s thorough review and decision. Also said this was the final hurdle to close this acquisition.

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

It was already reported by The Verge that Microsoft would finalize the acquisition on Friday, October 13, 2023, which is now here.

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent the following statement to employees:

“Today the CMA, the regulatory authority in the UK, approved our transaction with Microsoft. 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.

Our board chair Brian Kelly and I are incredibly proud of all of you and your accomplishments over the last four decades. We’re excited for our next chapter together with Microsoft and the endless possibilities it creates for you and for our players.”

Source: GOV.UK