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 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.
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