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Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been given the green light by UK regulators, following approval from the European Commission earlier this month. The deal, which is worth $68.7 billion, will see Microsoft take control of one of the biggest video game companies in the world.
Activision Blizzard is behind some of the biggest gaming franchises in history, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. The acquisition is a major coup for Microsoft, which has been looking to expand its presence in the gaming industry.
The deal is expected to be completed by the end of June 2023, subject to the approval of Activision Blizzard shareholders and other regulatory bodies. Once the acquisition is complete, Activision Blizzard will become part of Microsoft’s Xbox division, which includes Xbox Game Studios, Xbox Live, and Xbox Game Pass.
In a statement, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said, “We are thrilled to welcome Activision Blizzard to the Microsoft family. Gaming is one of the most exciting and dynamic industries in the world, and we believe that the addition of Activision Blizzard to our portfolio will provide us with new opportunities to innovate and create amazing experiences for gamers around the world.”
The acquisition is expected to give Microsoft a significant boost in the gaming industry, as it seeks to compete with rivals such as Sony and Nintendo. The move is also seen as a strategic investment in the growing esports market, which has seen explosive growth in recent year