A new report has confirmed that another country has approved the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal.
Before completing the acquisition deal between Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard, another country has now approved the deal. Before Microsoft could iron out the issues between UK Competition and Markets Authority, New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has now granted clearance for the deal. It has declared the buyout is unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any New Zealand market.
Microsoft has shared its response as well. “We appreciate the thoughtful consideration by the New Zealand Commerce Commission of our acquisition of Activision Blizzard and welcome its decision to clear the deal unconditionally,” a Microsoft spokesperson told IGN. “This acquisition will ultimately benefit the gaming industry and gamers and we will continue to work toward closing the deal.”
Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith shared a post on Twitter. “With today’s approval from New Zealand, we’re cleared to move forward with our acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 41 countries,” he pointed out. “We will continue to work to resolve outstanding concerns and bring this deal to a close.”
Only the UK CMA is standing in the way before closing the deal between the two major gaming companies.