Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Nears US Completion

Christopher Dring and James Batchelor delve into the recent developments surrounding Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, as the US deadline draws near. With the FTC's preliminary injunction, request for a temporary restraining order extension, and appeal all being denied, the path for Microsoft to complete the deal appears to be clearing. The signing of a ten-year agreement with Sony to maintain Call of Duty's presence on PlayStation further reduces obstacles. This episode also explores the CMA's consideration of a revised deal proposal and how Nintendo may emerge as an unexpected beneficiary of the past week's events. The episode can be streamed below, downloaded directly, or subscribed to via popular podcast platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, and Google Play, with music by Thomas Marchant.