Microsoft cleared to buy Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard

The updated bid by Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard, the creator of Call of Duty, has received the nod from UK regulators. The Competition and Markets Authority expressed satisfaction with the modifications made in the deal, having previously rejected the initial £56 billion ($69 billion) offer in April.

This approval signifies the conclusion of an almost two-year-long battle to finalise the gaming industry’s largest acquisition. 

But despite the green light for the takeover, the CMA has issued criticism of Microsfot’s conduct. 

In response to the CMA’s earlier rejection of the takeover, Microsoft’s President Brad Smith hit out at the decision claiming it was “bad for Britain.” 

CMA chief executive, Sarah Cardell, said: “Businesses and their advisors should be in no doubt that the tactics employed by Microsoft are no way to engage with the CMA.

“Microsoft had the chance to restructure during our initial investigation but instead continued to insist on a package of measures that we told them simply wouldn’t work. Dragging out proceedings in this way only wastes time and money.”