Game-Changer: Microsoft’s $69B Acquisition of Activision Approved

Microsoft has received final approval from British regulators for its $69 billion deal to acquire video game developer Activision Blizzard, marking a significant milestone in the process. The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has granted clearance for the restructured version of this massive tech deal, almost 22 months after it was first announced.

In a tweet shared on the platform formerly known as Twitter, Microsoft President Brad Smith expressed his satisfaction with the regulatory approval, stating, “We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition, which we believe will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide.”

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick also welcomed the final approval of the deal in an email sent to the company’s employees. He stated, “I am excited for our next chapter together with Microsoft and the endless possibilities it creates for you and for our players.”

Last month, the deal received preliminary approval from the British regulator, which acknowledged that the new proposal addressed previous concerns regarding competition in the cloud gaming market. Microsoft restructured the agreement in August, granting the cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft in exchange for a one-off payment and a market-based wholesale pricing mechanism.

CMA’s Chief Executive Sarah Cardell expressed the organization’s determination to hold Microsoft accountable, stating, “We delivered a clear message to Microsoft that the deal would be blocked unless they comprehensively addressed our concerns, and we stuck to our guns on that.” Cardell further emphasized that with the sale of Activision’s cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, they have ensured that Microsoft does not have excessive control over this rapidly developing market.

Notably, the $69 billion acquisition of Activision also faced opposition from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Although the FTC lost its legal bid to temporarily halt the deal, it intends to proceed with its case against the merger, even as the acquisition finalizes.