Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard could be ruled on soon

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft could be close to completion.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard, or ABK, by Microsoft could be nearing completion, as reported by gaming website VGC. The mega-acquisition, valued at nearly $102 billion, would be the largest merger in video game company history — yet there are still caveats to this deal closing.

The United States Federal Trade Commission, a regulatory body that oversees business mergers such as this one, has 30 days to either approve or deny the buyout once requirements are met. These requirements are when both parties submit necessary documents and certifications, as well as complete any additional requests. Microsoft has provided what the FTC required to move on to the review process, and while it is still unclear if ABK has complied with their request, this could be the final piece of the puzzle.

If Activision has supplied the necessary information, then the review window of 30 days must begin. Once concluded, the FTC can either approve, deny, or temporarily halt the deal. In the case of a temporary freeze, the FTC would aim to negotiate with both parties to ensure additional compliance to keep the markets competitive. If approved, then there are few barriers remaining in the way of the acquisition being completed.

One of those barriers, however, is the regulatory bodies of other major markets. The British regulatory equivalent of the FTC, the Competition and Markets Authority, or CMA, is also conducting an investigation into the deal. The CMA stated that their investigation would look at a wide range of factors, and ensure that it doesn’t “lead to worse outcomes for consumers – for example, through higher prices, lower quality, or reduced choice.” The CMA has until September 1 to render a verdict.

Yet another barrier would be Australia’s own competition regulator, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, or ACCC. The ACCC has requested interested parties to submit their thoughts regarding the acquisition, especially in areas such as company competition, price and service quality, and whether this merger would foreclose other competitors in the Australian market. The deadline for these submissions has passed, but as per the Government’s web page, the matter is still under consideration.

Original reporting by Video Games Chronicle.

Written by Junior Miyai on behalf of GLHF.