Tag: iab-mergers and acquisitions

Microsoft gives ground on streaming in bid to remove UK block on Activision deal
Technology

Microsoft gives ground on streaming in bid to remove UK block on Activision deal

London CNN  —  Microsoft has made a major concession to UK authorities in a bid to remove the last remaining regulatory obstacle to its huge takeover of Activision Blizzard. The companies have submitted a new proposal to the UK antitrust watchdog — the only regulator worldwide standing in the way of the $69 billion deal — that would see Activision’s (ATVI) cloud streaming rights outside the European Union and three other European countries sold to a rival, Ubisoft Entertainment. Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a blog post Tuesday that the companies believe the new proposal “presents a substantially different transaction” for the CMA to consider than its previous merger agreement. “We believe t...