The latest step in the UK for the Microsoft deal

The CMA issued a preliminary approval of our merger with Microsoft. This is critical to completing the deal, CEO Bobby Kotick writes.

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

Team,

I want to share an important update on our planned merger with Microsoft.

Today the UK regulatory authority, the CMA, issued a preliminary approval of our merger with Microsoft based on the solutions Microsoft presented in connection with its new merger application. This approval is critical to completing our merger.

The next step is for the CMA to gather third-party feedback, after which the CMA will reach a final decision.

As I said when we announced the deal, this transaction will help us accelerate our ambitions for the future of gaming and enable us to better serve our players. Microsoft recognizes the commitment to excellence and creative independence that has served us well for the last 30 years. I am confident that their resources, technology, and tools will provide us even greater opportunities to create even better games.

This is a significant milestone for the merger and a testament to our solutions-oriented work with regulators. I remain optimistic as we continue the journey toward completion and am very grateful to each of you for your dedication and focus throughout this process.

As the regulators continue their process, I will keep you updated on our progress towards our expected closing.

With gratitude,

Bobby

Previously

• The next step in the UK for the Microsoft deal (Aug 21, 2023)

• Deadline extended on the Microsoft deal (July 19, 2023)

• 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)