{"id":110538,"title":"Microsoft receives approval for one of the UK biggest tech acquisitions in history.","publisher":"Share Talk","author":"sharetalk","published":"2023-10-13T06:56:02+00:00","modified":"2023-10-13T10:27:00+00:00","canonical_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/microsoft-receives-approval-for-one-of-the-uk-biggest-tech-acquisitions-in-history/","markdown_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/microsoft-receives-approval-for-one-of-the-uk-biggest-tech-acquisitions-in-history.md","json_url":"https://www.share-talk.com/microsoft-receives-approval-for-one-of-the-uk-biggest-tech-acquisitions-in-history.json","category":"B2B","categories":["B2B","Blogs","Fintech","Future Tech","Technology","Technology, Media & Telecoms"],"tags":["Activision Blizzard","Bobby Kotick","Call of Duty series","Microsoft","video game"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/www.share-talk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ACT-13_10_23.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has given its final nod to Microsoft’s acquisition of video game producer Activision Blizzard.\n\nThis decision overturns its previous stance to hinder the $69bn (£56bn) transaction, paving the way for one of the most substantial-tech deals ever.\n\nLast month, after reviewing a modified proposal from Microsoft aimed at addressing competitive concerns, the watchdog had hinted at this approval. This green light suggests the imminent success of Microsoft’s pursuit to acquire Activision, the company behind the renowned Call of Duty series.\n\nhttps://twitter.com/CMAgovUK/status/1712710591008157755\n\nBoth entities decided to push the original mid-July deadline to October 18 to address regulatory concerns. This sanction saves Microsoft from a potential $4.5bn penalty that would have been imposed on them had the deal fallen through.\n\nThe regulator commented, “The revised agreement ensures Microsoft won’t monopolize the burgeoning cloud gaming sector, ensuring competitive pricing and services for UK’s cloud gaming enthusiasts.”\n\n**Activision Leader Enthusiastic about Future Prospects **\n\nFollowing the green light from UK regulators, Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision Blizzard, shared on the company’s website:\n\nThe UK’s regulatory body, the CMA, has given the thumbs up to our merger with Microsoft.\n\nAll the necessary regulatory permissions are now in place, and we are eager to extend joy and connectivity to even more global players.\n\nBrian Kelly, our board chair, and I are immensely proud of each one of you and the milestones achieved over the past forty years.\n\nTogether with Microsoft, we’re eager to embark on this new journey, filled with boundless opportunities for our team and our gaming community."}