British regulators have given their final approval for Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Call of Duty video game maker Activision. They praised the revised deal as a “gamechanger that would promote competition.” This news comes after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked Microsoft’s initial bid due to concerns about the company’s dominance in cloud computing. However, Microsoft’s restructured deal, which excluded cloud gaming rights, was cleared because it promises competitive pricing and improved services. The CMA is particularly pleased with Microsoft’s proposal to sell streaming rights for Activision’s content to Ubisoft, a French game developer. This move will ensure competition in the cloud gaming market and allow Ubisoft to offer Activision’s content through various business models. The CMA believes this will lead to lower costs, increased efficiency, and more choices for customers using non-Windows operating systems. CMA CEO Sarah Cardell emphasized that this intervention prevents Microsoft from gaining excessive control over the rapidly growing cloud gaming market.
The approval was granted just in time, as the merger’s deadline was approaching. Microsoft and Activision had set October 18 as the deadline, and the approval came five days before that. Microsoft’s President, Brad Smith, expressed gratitude for the CMA’s decision, stating that it will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide. Activision also welcomed the approval and is ready to proceed with the deal. The company’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, mentioned that they have obtained all the necessary regulatory approvals and look forward to bringing joy and connection to more players around the world. This final approval from British regulators comes after several delays and changes to the deal proposed by Microsoft. The CMA had previously postponed its decision on reversing an interim ban on the acquisition, leading to a three-month extension for completing the deal.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
