Microsoft Expected to Finalize Activision Blizzard Acquisition Next Week

According to sources, Microsoft is poised to complete its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard as early as next week. The company allegedly plans to finalize the deal on Friday, October 13, pending approval from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. The CMA had initially blocked the acquisition but provisionally approved it last month after Microsoft addressed concerns regarding dominance in cloud gaming by selling rights to Ubisoft. The acquisition, originally set to close by July 18, 2023, was extended to October 18. If the deal is not completed by this date, Microsoft will be required to pay a $4.5 billion fee and renegotiate terms. The US Federal Trade Commission, which previously failed to block the deal in court, is currently appealing the decision and planning an administrative hearing.