Microsoft and Activision have just under a month left to finally close the merger. According to the agreement signed between the companies, which was already extended in July, the deal should be fully completed by October 18. Accordingly, before this time, Microsoft needs to obtain permission from all regulators where it plans to present its products to players.
This spring, the CMA regulator in the UK blocked the deal between Microsoft and Activision, and in July, after the American corporation won in court over the FTC in the US, the parties decided to reach an agreement without trial. The CMA issued a new preliminary ruling today which indicates the regulator is inclined to approve the deal.
Microsoft President Brad Smith responded to this decision on social media:
We are encouraged by this positive development by the CMA. We have presented options that we believe fully address the CMA’s remaining concerns regarding cloud game streaming, and we will continue to work towards obtaining approval, which must be granted by the October 18 deadline.
Let us remind you that Microsoft in the UK transferred cloud gaming to Ubisoft to approve the deal with Activision.
