Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard deal will get preliminary approval from UK regulator

The UK’s Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA) has given preliminary approval for Microsoft to proceed with its $69 billion Activision Blizzard deal. The CMA had initially blocked the acquisition over cloud gaming issues, however Microsoft just lately restructured the deal to switch cloud gaming rights for present and new Activision Blizzard video games to Ubisoft. 

“The CMA considers that the restructured deal makes essential modifications that considerably deal with the issues it set out in relation to the unique transaction earlier this 12 months,” the CMA stated in a press launch, and “opens the door to the deal being cleared.”

That is only a preliminary choice, forward of ultimate approval. The CMA says it has now opened a session to realize third-party suggestions on Microsoft’s proposed cures, till October sixth. A remaining choice is predicted earlier than the prolonged October 18th deadline.

The session interval is supposed to deal with just a few remaining issues that the CMA has with the deal. “Whereas the CMA has recognized restricted residual issues with the brand new deal, Microsoft has put ahead cures which the CMA has provisionally concluded ought to deal with these points.”

Microsoft is understandably optimistic in regards to the choice. “We offered options that we imagine absolutely deal with the CMA’s remaining issues associated to cloud recreation streaming, and we are going to proceed to work towards incomes approval to shut previous to the October 18 deadline,” stated Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith on X (previously Twitter.)

Activision Blizzard can be happy with the CMA’s response. “This can be a important milestone for the merger and a testomony to our solutions-oriented work with regulators,” stated Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick in an announcement despatched to staff. “I stay optimistic as we proceed the journey towards completion and am very grateful to every of you to your dedication and focus all through this course of.”

The UK is the ultimate regulatory hurdle for Microsoft’s large deal.