After submitting a restructured deal which includes handing over Activision’s cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft, Microsoft has finally won over the CMA as they have greenlit the merger in a new preliminary decision. Following the update from the UK regulators, Bobby Kotick, Brad Smith, and other execs have issued statements regarding this new verdict.

CEO of Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick, had this to say (via Activision newsroom):

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

Activision’s Cheif Commercial Officer, Lulu Cheng Meservey praised the regulators:

The CMA’s preliminary approval is great news for Activision Blizzard’s future with Microsoft.

We’re glad the CMA has responded positively to the solutions Microsoft has proposed, and together we’ll continue to work toward completing the regulatory review process.

The CMA’s preliminary approval is great news for Activision Blizzard’s future with Microsoft.

We’re glad the CMA has responded positively to the solutions Microsoft has proposed, and together we’ll continue to work toward completing the regulatory review process.

— Lulu Cheng Meservey (@lulumeservey) September 22, 2023

On the other side, Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith also weighed in on the decision:

We are encouraged by this positive development in the CMA’s review process. We presented solutions that we believe fully address the CMA’s remaining concerns related to cloud game streaming, and we will continue to work toward earning approval to close prior to the October 18 deadline.

We are encouraged by this positive development in the CMA’s review process. We presented solutions that we believe fully address the CMA’s remaining concerns related to cloud game streaming, and we will continue to work toward earning approval to close prior to the October 18…

— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) September 22, 2023

Apart from the executives, a number of Activision and Microsoft employees and studio heads have welcomed the new update from the CMA. This was one of the final major hurdles the deal had to pass. All eyes are on October 6 now, when the UK regulators will publish their final decision.