Microsoft is aiming to wrap up its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard next week, with the announcement expected on Friday, October 13th, according to a source familiar with Microsoft’s plans. However, the actual closing date hinges on the decision of the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which previously blocked the deal. Microsoft recently modified the agreement to transfer cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft, gaining preliminary approval from the CMA last month. The CMA is currently gathering opinions and is anticipated to make a final decision next week, likely allowing Microsoft to proceed with the merger.

Microsoft and Activision had extended their deal deadline to October 18th, but if the CMA approves the deal next week, it will conclude a 20-month process of navigating regulatory challenges in Europe and the US. The CMA initially blocked the deal in the UK due to concerns about cloud services, while the EU approved it with certain concessions from Microsoft. This regulatory struggle in Europe followed the FTC’s legal action against the acquisition in the US, which ultimately failed to secure a preliminary injunction, leading to the ongoing appeal process. The FTC is also planning to continue its administrative case against Microsoft’s proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition, which will begin 21 days after the Ninth Circuit rules on the FTC’s appeal, with the hearing conducted virtually. While the FTC may attempt to challenge Microsoft’s acquisition, it faces a formidable challenge if the deal closes as expected.

Sources:

• Microsoft ABK deal closing date extension
• Microsoft Activision Blizzard acquisition: What’s happening?
• Microsoft extends Activision Blizzard deal closing date
• Microsoft and Activision Blizzard extend merger agreement
• Microsoft reportedly aiming to complete Activision Blizzard acquisition
• UK regulator extends deadline on final decision over Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
• Microsoft looks to close Activision deal next week
• Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition
• Microsoft And Activision Blizzard Extend Deadline To Complete Acquisition