• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 1, 2025

U.K. Reconsiders Activision Takeover Amid Revised Microsoft Offer

  • Microsoft is now offering cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft in hopes of finalizing its $69 billion Activision Blizzard takeover.
  • The U.K.’s antitrust watchdog is reviewing Microsoft’s new proposal after blocking its deal in April.
The U.K. regulator is Microsoft's last major hurdle to pass.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY

Microsoft’s $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition has new chances to get approved in the U.K. after the tech giant revised parameters around its massive gaming deal takeover. 

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority antitrust watchdog initially blocked the deal in April but will now reconsider Microsoft’s new proposal to give French video game publisher Ubisoft Entertainment SA cloud-streaming rights for Activision games, according to Bloomberg. The revised proposal could ease regulatory concerns about Microsoft having too much control over the nascent cloud gaming market. 

The CMA has set a new deadline of Oct. 18 for an initial ruling. Microsoft’s proposal would give Ubisoft exclusive streaming rights outside the European Economic Area of all Activision Blizzard titles, including Call of Duty, for the next 15 years. Ubisoft would receive non-exclusive streaming rights to the same gaming titles inside the region. 

“We had a real concern previously that Microsoft would be able to control the way that that market was going to develop,” CMA CEO Sarah Cardell told Bloomberg. “What we see with this new deal, and we will have to test it carefully through our review, is that rather than Microsoft being able to control how those cloud streaming rights are used, that control will shift to an independent company.”

The U.K.’s antitrust watchdog is Microsoft’s last major hurdle to pass before finalizing its Activision Blizzard takeover. Microsoft beat the FTC in court after initial challenges to approve the deal in the U.S., which has been cleared by regulators in Japan and the European Union. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 11, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray (24) grabs a rebound during the second half against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) at Moda Center.

The Trail Blazers Are Finally for Sale. The Seahawks Are Not

Jody Allen is mandated to sell her late brother’s sports teams.

Judge Bans ATP Tour From Retaliating Against Players in Major Lawsuit

Plaintiffs had sought to ban the ATP from discussing the case with players.
Fubo-TV

Fubo Loses Subscribers; Focused on Disney Deal Despite Antitrust Probe

The streaming company plans to debut its planned sports bundle this fall.
July 9, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars during the press conference to introduce their new head coach John Kuester at their practice facility.

Joe Dumars Leaving NBA League Office to Run Pelicans

Joe Dumars was the architect of the 2004 champion Pistons.

Featured Today

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.
May 30, 2025

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.
May 25, 2025

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.

FanDuel Misses Projections As Betting Favorites Dominate 

FanDuel is hit by customer-friendly betting outcomes during March Madness.
February 20, 2025

Americans Bet $148 Billion on Sports in 2024, Up 23.6%

Both overall handle and revenue rose by more than 20% last year.
March 4, 2025

FanDuel Retains Sports Betting Crown With $14B in 2024 Revenue

The FanDuel parent company posts big increases in revenue and net income.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
DraftKings app
February 14, 2025

Lawsuit Says DraftKings VIP Program ‘Preyed On’ Gambling Addicts

The company’s being sued for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
August 20, 2024

Beloved ‘Backyard Sports’ Brand Says It Will Relaunch After Decade Hiatus

“Backyard Baseball” was a turn-of-the-century computer hit. 
DraftKings
August 2, 2024

DraftKings Announces Consumer Tax Starting Next Year

The company’s stock fell 5% Friday morning.
July 24, 2024

The Perfect Storm Propelling ‘EA Sports College Football’ to Early Success

Growing fandom and a long wait have already reaped dividends for EA.