New Zealand Delays Activision Blizzard Merger Decision To July 17

Expert Verified By

Another Delay From New Zealand!

Microsoft has seen a number of new approvals for the Activision Blizzard acquisition. The deal has recently been approved in countries like South Korea, China, and more. Major regulators like the European Commission have also approved the merger.

Following these decisions, New Zealand was expected to announce its stance on the $68.7 billion purchase today. However, New Zealand has postponed its decision, providing a new date of July 17.

Why it matters: Each new approval is a step in the right direction for Microsoft as the company faces stiff opposition from two regulators, the FTC, and the CMA.

New Zealand Activision Blizzard Merger Acquisition Decision Delayed July 17
Source: Commerce Commission

New Zealand will announce its decision in July, but this is not the first delay from the Commerce Commission. Previously, the country was expected to announce its verdict in April, but this was delayed to June.

This might suggest that New Zealand is carefully looking at the deal to ensure the best decision is made for the consumers. While most countries are now in favor of the deal, regulators like the CMA have made various arguments against the merger.

Following the CMA’s decision to block the deal, Microsoft is also considering options to go ahead with the acquisition, potentially looking to withdraw Activision games from the UK.

Nearly 40 countries are currently in favor of the deal, and New Zealand could soon join this list of growing supporters for Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. However, the regulator’s prolonged scrutiny could also mean an unfavorable outcome is just as likely.

Was our article helpful? 👨‍💻

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔

Gear Up For Latest News

Get exclusive gaming & tech news before it drops. Sign up today!

Join Our Community

Still having issues? Join the Tech4Gamers Forum for expert help and community support!

Latest News

Join Our Community

104,000FansLike
32,122FollowersFollow

Trending

Fans Believe Marathon Is More Likely To Flop Like Concord Than Even Reach Moderate Success

A new poll and online player sentiment suggest that Bungie's Marathon is more likely to flop than even reach moderate success.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Listing Points To Upcoming Switch 2 Launch

A recent PEGI listing suggests that Assassin’s Creed Shadows could also be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2.

Xbox Cloud Gaming ‘Growing Dramatically’ With ‘Tens Of Millions Of Hours’ Every Month, Says Xbox Boss

Phil Spencer has confirmed in a new interview that Xbox Cloud Gaming is a massive success and growing dramatically every month.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Set For July 17 Release, Suggests Insider

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers seems to be ready to launch in around three months, with a leaker pointing to a July 17 launch target.

Stellar Blade Has Helped Shift Up Director Become One Of The Richest People In Korea

According to Forbes, Shift Up Entertainment founder and Stellar Blade director is now among the top 50 richest people in South Korea.