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| Microsoft Expected to Conclude Activision Blizzard Deal on Friday, October 13 |
Microsoft's pursuit of gaming behemoth Activision Blizzard appears to be rapidly approaching its conclusion. An inside source, as reported by The Verge, has hinted at Friday, October 13, as the target date for the deal's closure. It's worth noting the curious choice of date, given its association with superstitions; however, it appears that Microsoft and Activision Blizzard executives are undeterred by such beliefs. This date selection aligns with the earlier decision made in July when both parties agreed to extend the deal's deadline to October 18, primarily to address any remaining regulatory concerns. As of now, that date is only twelve days away, making it imperative for the deal to wrap up soon.
Yet, Microsoft's legal department is not out of the woods just yet. They must navigate a few more legal hurdles. A significant development involved a restructuring of the merger's terms, granting Ubisoft rights to stream Activision Blizzard games in the UK. This change led to preliminary approval from the Competition and Markets Authority, a regulatory body. However, a final assessment is still pending, and it must be completed before the October 18 deadline. Despite these challenges, both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard view these developments as major victories.
This recent news adds another chapter to the ongoing saga that began almost two years ago when Microsoft first expressed interest in acquiring Activision Blizzard. Over time, details emerged from leaked documents related to the merger, revealing not only Microsoft's intentions to bolster its gaming division but also its plans to acquire other prominent companies like Sega and Bungie. With these legal matters inching closer to resolution, Microsoft is likely eager to put this prolonged process behind them and move forward with their ambitious gaming aspirations.