Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard: Key Dates Revealed for $68.7 Billion Merger

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is inching closer to completion, with key dates now revealed for this monumental $68.7 billion merger. It is an eagerly anticipated deal that will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the gaming industry and the millions of gamers who engage with Activision Blizzard’s popular franchises.

Here are the key dates for Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, as shared by the Twitter account Idle Sloth:

1. July 17, 2023:

Final decision by New Zealand regarding the acquisition. This date holds crucial importance as it marks the final judgment from New Zealand on whether the acquisition can proceed.

2. July 17, 2023:

An English CAT (Competition Appeal Tribunal) conference is scheduled to discuss the joint motion by Microsoft and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to suspend the appeal. The outcome of this conference will determine the future course of action.

3. July 18, 2023, 11:59 PM PT (08:59 ET, July 19):

This marks the end of the second renewal and the final deadline for the Acquisition Agreement. Microsoft must make an official announcement regarding the acquisition by this date. Failure to do so may result in a hefty $3 billion fine, as renegotiating an agreement with Activision Blizzard’s CEO, Bobby Kotick, becomes necessary.

4. July 28, 2023:

The first CPT (Competition and Markets Tribunal) Appeals Hearing is scheduled, primarily based on the motion to suspend the ACMA (Antitrust Case Merger Agreement). If granted, the trial will not begin on August 2, 2023, in the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Internal Court. It is highly expected that the FTC will approve the Microsoft deal.

5. August 29, 2023:

This is the new deadline for the final decision by the CMA after investigating Microsoft’s new proposal. The CMA plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and will carefully review the acquisition to determine its impact on the gaming market.

6. Late August and September 2023:

The CAT is expected to provide its verdict on Microsoft’s appeal request in case the suspension is not granted. This verdict will significantly impact the acquisition process.

7. December 2023 – January 2024:

During this period, the FTC Administrative Judge will provide the final verdict, confirming whether the acquisition process stands or if it will be overturned.

It is important to note that Microsoft and Sony have entered into an agreement specifically relating to Call of Duty, indicating the complexities involved in such a significant deal.

The gaming community eagerly awaits the outcome of the acquisition as it will have far-reaching implications on the gaming landscape. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has the potential to reshape the industry and ensure a new era of gaming experiences for players worldwide. With the aforementioned key dates in mind, it will be interesting to see how this transformative merger progresses and what it means for the future of gaming.

Check all Game News here: Haber Tusba