Microsoft Set to Finalize Activision Blizzard Acquisition Next Week

Microsoft is reportedly set to close its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard on Friday, October 13. The deal, which has faced lawsuits and controversy, received preliminary approval from the UK's Competition & Markets Authority (CMA), with the final judgment expected on or before October 18. Microsoft recently sold cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft to help facilitate the deal. The acquisition will make Microsoft the owner of popular franchises like Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch, and Warcraft, and is the company's largest acquisition to date. Activision Blizzard's CEO is expected to leave the company following the deal's closure.