CMA Delays Final Decision on Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Until August 29

However, the CMA says it "aims to discharge its duty as soon as possible and in advance of this date."

Posted By | On 14th, Jul. 2023

Microsoft Activision Blizzard

Microsoft recently cleared a major hurdle in getting final approval from authorities for its proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, when the FTC was recently denied an injunction that would have temporarily suspended the deal (though the FTC has since filed an appeal against the ruling). Shortly afterward, it was confirmed that Microsoft and the United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had also agreed to pause litigation and begin negotiations– though the process is going to take a little longer than Microsoft would want.

While previously the CMA was set to render a final ruling on the proposed acquisition by July 18, it has now announced a delay to that final decision. “The CMA considers that there is insufficient time remaining in the statutory period for full and proper consideration of Microsoft’s submission on the proposed Order,” the regulator said. “As such, the Inquiry Group considers that there are special reasons to extend by six weeks.”

The new deadline for the CMA’s final ruling is now set for August 29, though the regulator says it “aims to discharge its duty as soon as possible and in advance of this date.”

Recently, the CMA said that its negotiations with Microsoft were still “at an early stage”, and that should the company choose to propose a restructured deal during its negotiations with the CMA, it could still “lead to a new merger investigation.”

Previously, it has been reported that Microsoft has considered pulling Activision Blizzard out of the UK entirely in order to work around the CMA’s block. Read more on that through here.


Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Keep On Reading!

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 Battle and Story Demos Out Now on PS4 and PS5

The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak 2 Battle and Story Demos Out Now on PS4 and PS5

The Battle demo allows you to play through the Märchen Garten with two unique parties, while the Story demo c...

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Not Have a Point of Interest “Every 50 Meters”

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Not Have a Point of Interest “Every 50 Meters”

Visiting Japan for researching the game had the developers realise that Assassin's Creed Shadows doesn't need ...

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Monsters Have Higher Health and Flinch Thresholds Than World

Monster Hunter Wilds’ Monsters Have Higher Health and Flinch Thresholds Than World

Monster Hunter Wilds players will have to make use of the new Focus Strike mechanics to ensure that hunts are ...

Horizon Forbidden West on PC Has Been De-Listed on Steam for More than 170 Countries

Horizon Forbidden West on PC Has Been De-Listed on Steam for More than 170 Countries

Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition has joined Helldivers 2 in enforcing a PSN account to play, despite it...

Dishonored 2 Studio’s Reputation for “Refined Games” Saved its Future

Dishonored 2 Studio’s Reputation for “Refined Games” Saved its Future

Dishonored 2's development costs seem to have been well over The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, while the game didn'...

Console Hardware Sales in December 2024 Were Lower than in December 2023 – Analyst

Console Hardware Sales in December 2024 Were Lower than in December 2023 – Analyst

According to industry analyst Mat Piscatella, the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch are long past t...