Deadline extended: an update on the Microsoft deal

The Activision Blizzard and Microsoft boards have mutually agreed not to terminate the deal until after October 18.

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent the following email to employees on Wednesday:

Team, 

I know many of you have questions about our merger with Microsoft. I am happy to share that based on our continued confidence in closing our deal, the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft boards have mutually agreed not to terminate the deal until after October 18.

This merger is great for players, workers, and our business, and it will create opportunities to compete against companies with large talent pools, strong IP and complete control of their markets. Our merger is cleared to close in over 40 countries already, and we remain confident in resolving any remaining regulatory concerns in the UK. 

I appreciate your patience through the process. As always, thank you for your continued dedication and work. I’ll share more updates as we have them. 

With gratitude,  

Bobby

Previously

• A federal court denied the FTC's request to block the Microsoft deal (July 11, 2023)

• We're ready to make our case for the Microsoft deal in federal court (June 12, 2023)

• Regulators in Europe approve the Microsoft deal (May 15, 2023)

• We’ll keep pressing our case for a Microsoft deal (April 26, 2023)

• A March update on the Microsoft deal (March 28, 2023)

• A February update on the Microsoft deal (February 8, 2023)

• A December update on the Microsoft deal (December 8, 2022)

• Defining the future: Announcing a merger with Microsoft (January 18, 2022)