The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has extended the deadline for its final decision on Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The regulator had been scheduled to deliver its ruling on the $69 billion merger by July 18, but will now do so by August 29.
“The CMA considers that there is insufficient time remaining in the statutory period for full and proper consideration ofMicrosoft’s submission on the proposed Order,” the watchdog said.
“As such, the Inquiry Group considers that there are special reasons to extend by six weeks… The revised period will therefore end on 13 July 2025.
“However, the Inquiry Group aims to discharge its duty as soon as possible and in advance of this date.”
The CMA initiallyblocked the deal in Aprildue to concerns about its impact on the nascent cloud gaming market.
Microsoft had been scheduled to appeal the decision in a court case beginning on July 28, but earlier this week theXboxmaker and the CMApaused legal proceedingswith a view to reaching an out of court agreement.
Microsoft is now reportedly consideringselling some of its UK cloud gaming rightsin a bid to seal regulatory approval for the deal.
According toBloombergsources, the company could sell the cloud-based market rights for games in the UK to a telecommunications, gaming or internet-based computing company, or possibly a private equity firm.
It’s also beenclaimedthat Microsoft executives have been exploring ways to close the acquisition despite a UK veto on the deal.
Microsoft wants to complete the transaction before its current merger agreement expires on July 18, after whichActivision Blizzardcould walk away with a $3 billion termination fee if an extension isn’t agreed.
