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The Microsoft deal to acquire Activision Blizzard has been approved in the UK, ending a battle for Microsoft that has been ongoing for more than a year. The Competition Market Authority announced the approval late evening on October 12. Noting that it cleared the deal because Microsoft made the concession on Activision’s cloud gaming rights by selling them to Ubisoft. This part of the deal was in Microsoft’s new set of terms it issued back in August. And was part of its appeal to the CMA following the regulator’s first decision to block the sale.
Under the terms of the new deal, Microsoft will sell its cloud streaming rights for Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft. Who will then be able to license those out to all platforms, including Microsoft’s Xbox consoles. The CMA says this decision will “ensure people get more competitive prices, better services and more choice.” The CMA also notes that with Microsoft selling the rights away, it ensures the company can’t have a stranglehold over a market that’s growing at such a fast pace.
The UK-approved deal means Microsoft can now finalize its acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Throughout the entire process Microsoft has had a set deadline to finalize this deal. This deadline has changed and most recently was set for late October. Prior to the approval, there was still a chance the deal could die. If Microsoft wouldn’t get an approval before the deadline passed.
Like earlier this year when the FTC had a preliminary injunction put in place. That being said, the FTC no longer has such an injunction. Which means Microsoft is now free to move forward with the acquisition. Although, as The Verge points out the FTC is still actively seeking an appeal to court’s decision that it would not be allowed a preliminary injunction to block the deal.