Microsoft Activision Blizzard acquisition has now been approved in Serbia, taking another step for the deal to be sealed.
As reported by Reuters, Microsoft’s attempts to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion is said to have been “approved unconditionally” in Serbia, in South East Europe. This now means that Saudi Arabia, Brazil and now Serbia have given its approval.
Microsoft Activision deal takes a step closer to completion
Furthermore, to ensure that the Activision Blizzard deal gains the seal of approval in other areas of the European Union, Microsoft is said to likely offer concessions to regulators in the hope of pushing the deal through.
One such concession is Microsoft’s reported offer to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation for at least 10 years.
“Ultimately, such a move could secure an early clearance with the European Commission and subsequently be used by the parties before other antitrust agencies,” said Stephane Dionnet, a partner at law firm McDermott Will & Emery.
He added: “However, it remains to be seen whether the active complainants will validate such concessions (in particular in terms of scope) and if behavioural remedies will also be accepted by the CMA and the FTC.”
Microsoft needs the approval of multiple regulators
Microsoft still needs the approval of multiple regulators across the world, such as the UK. Of course, the deal still needs to be approved in the US too.
However, the Activision Blizzard takeover might be challenged by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). If that challenge comes, Activision has said that it will oppose such obstructions.
If all goes well for Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, it is expected that the deal should be finalised by June 2023. However, until that time comes, the acquisition will likely face many more hurdles along the road.
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Featured Image Credit: Microsoft/Activision/Source: VGC via Reuters