Microsoft announces completion of acquisition of Activision Blizzard

2023-10-13 14:04:00

This is the final chapter in a saga that has lasted since January 2022, with Microsoft having managed to overcome the initial opposition of British and American regulators to this $69 billion operation.

This was the last big obstacle preventing the American giant, owner of the Xbox console, from getting its hands on the publisher of games like “Call of Duty”, “Diablo” or “Candy Crush”. He announced this acquisition, which has since received the green light from American and European regulatory authorities, in January last year.

This operation is the most important in the history of the American software giant, but also in the video games sector. It must help Microsoft strengthen its position in gaming and allow its successful console to compete with Sony’s PlayStation.

“We are grateful for the in-depth review (of the new agreement) and the decision of the CMA today,” immediately reacted Microsoft President Brad Smith in a statement sent to AFP.

“We have now cleared the final regulatory hurdle to complete this acquisition, which we believe will benefit gamers and the gaming industry worldwide,” he added.

This acquisition will make Microsoft the third global player in video games in terms of turnover, behind Tencent and Sony, thus passing Apple.

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