CMA Postpones Final Decision Date on Microsoft and Activision Blizzard Deal to August 29th

Recently, Microsoft got rid of a major obstacle to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in the form of the FTC, after which

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has agreed to suspend the litigation and start negotiations.However, the process will take a little longer than Microsoft would like.

What is known

Previously, the CMA had to acceptThe final decision on the proposed transaction was due by July 18th, but there was a delay in this decision. The regulator said that “insufficient time” to fully consider Microsoft's submission regarding the proposed order, the investigation team therefore decided to extend the time limit by six weeks.

The new deadline for a final CMA decision has now been set for August 29, however the regulator is aiming to fulfill its obligations as soon as possible and before that date.

CMA also said that its talks with Microsoftare still at an early stage, and if the company proposes a restructured deal during negotiations, it could lead to a new merger investigation.