Microsoft gets EU approval for Activision acquisition

Microsoft has received approval from the European Union for its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a leading video game developer. However, even after the EU approval, the deal still remains at risk.

The acquisition is one of the most significant deals in the gaming industry. The EU approval, which was granted on Friday, came with several conditions that Microsoft will have to comply with. Microsoft must ensure that its gaming services remain open for all users, including those who use other platforms such as Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch.

The EU also stated that Microsoft must ensure that it does not limit the cross-play opportunities for gamers on different platforms. The regulators were concerned that the acquisition would give Microsoft too much power in the gaming industry and hence limit competition. However, it appears that the company has been able to meet all the required conditions.

Microsoft has historically focused on software and operating systems for personal computers and enterprise users. With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft will gain a significant foothold in the gaming industry. Activision is a prominent name in video game development, having created games like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.

The deal has the potential to reshape the gaming industry and give Microsoft an edge over competitors such as Sony and Amazon. It is also a strategic move by Microsoft to expand its consumer-facing business and capitalize on the growing popularity of video games.

The deal, however, is not without risk. Activision has faced several controversies in recent years, including allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination. The company’s response to these allegations has been criticized, and it led to several high-level executives leaving the company. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision has raised concerns about how the tech giant will address these issues.

Additionally, there is significant public opposition to the deal, particularly from Activision’s employees and the gaming community. Concerns have been raised about potential layoffs and the impact on the company’s culture. Microsoft will need to navigate these concerns carefully to ensure that the acquisition is successful.

The approval from the EU is a significant milestone for Microsoft, but it is only the first step in the process. The company still needs to gain approval from regulators in other regions, including the United States and China. The US antitrust regulators may take a closer look at the deal, given its potential impact on the gaming industry.

Microsoft will also need to convince Activision’s shareholders to approve the deal. Some shareholders have expressed concern about the price of the acquisition and whether it is a good deal for the company.

However, Microsoft has a track record of successful acquisitions, including its purchase of LinkedIn and GitHub. The company has deep pockets and the ability to invest heavily in its new acquisitions. It remains to be seen how the acquisition of Activision will play out, but it is clear that Microsoft is making a significant bet on the future of the gaming industry.

In conclusion, Microsoft has received approval from the European Union for its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal is still at risk, but the EU approval is a significant step forward for the tech giant. The acquisition has the potential to reshape the gaming industry and give Microsoft a competitive edge over its rivals. However, there are also risks associated with the deal, including controversy surrounding Activision’s culture and potential layoffs. Microsoft will need to navigate these concerns carefully to ensure that the acquisition is successful.