Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Nears Completion Amidst Controversy and Miscommunication

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard could be completed during the second quarter of 2023 after being cleared unconditionally in four jurisdictions at the end of 2022. The US Federal Trade Commission had brought an administrative complaint, and the European Commission and UK Competition & Markets Authority were investigating multiple potential concerns. However, the focus of the merger debate has shifted from concerns to constructive solutions and procompetitive effects, with both the European Commission and UK CMA abandoning the console market theory of harm. The UK CMA expects to make a decision on April 26, and the European Commission's deadline is May 22.