MSFT - UK regulator extends deadline for Microsoft-Activision final order until Aug. 29

2023-07-14 07:41:22 ET

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) and Activision (NASDAQ: ATVI ) are evaluating selling some of their cloud-gaming rights in the UK in order to appease the antitrust regulator that opposes the deal.

A potential resolution may involve selling off the cloud-based market rights for videogames in the UK to a telecom, gaming, or internet-based computing firm, according to a Bloomberg report, which cited people familiar with the matter.

Both Activision ( ATVI ) and Microsoft ( MSFT ) believe it's still possible that the $69 billion deal could close by the Tuesday termination deadline, according to the report.

The report comes after a federal judge late Thursday denied the Federal Trade Commission's request to temporarily block the combination as the regulator appeals an earlier decision that let the deal move forward.

After a pause in UK litigation requested by the two companies and UK regulator the Competition and Markets Authority earlier this week, Microsoft ( MSFT ) will still need to get a remedy accepted by the CMA to get the regulatory go-ahead in the UK.

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) is offering to make a small divestiture to meet the objections of the UK's antitrust regulator to its planned Activision ( ATVI ) deal, CNBC's David Faber said Tuesday. Microsoft ( MSFT ) is offering a "small and discrete" divestiture to the CMA that it believes the regulator will accept.

More on the Microsoft/Activision deal

• Judge denies FTC request to temporarily block Activision sale to Microsoft
• Activision drops amid report that UK may need to do a new probe of Microsoft deal
• Activision CEO says highly unlikely appeals court would grant a stay in Microsoft case
• Microsoft gets 'trophy moment' with Activision court win: Wedbush
• Activision downgraded at Raymond James as Microsoft deal likely to close soon
• Microsoft offers to make small divestiture to meet UK objections on Activision - CNBC

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