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Microsoft Xbox is looking to lead its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard to fruition as soon as possible. When the US court rules in Microsoft’s favor on FTC vs. Microsoft, they quickly shifted their attention to other gaming markets. While countries like Turkey have unconditionally accepted the deal, some countries like the UK are still skeptical.

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United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns over this deal. However, now it looks like the officials at the CMA and Microsoft are in talks to settle it outside court. And the Xbox makers have proposed an offbeat solution to CMA’s problem.

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Microsoft Xbox with an out-of-the-box solution to resolve CMA’s issues with Activision deal

According to sources from Bloomberg, Microsoft is looking to sell part of the UK’s cloud gaming rights in a bid. By doing so they will gain regulatory approval for their $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Furthermore, the company is looking at telecommunications, gaming, or internet-based computing company to take part in this bid. However, private equity firms will also be allowed at the bids.

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In April 2023, UK’s CMA blocked the Microsoft-Activision deal after FTC raised its concerns about the deal in the US. The Xbox makers had to appear in UK’s court following their case with the FTC in the US. But the CMA has paused legal proceedings and both parties are looking to reach an agreement outside of court.

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And it will be in Microsoft’s favor to reach an agreement quickly. Microsoft will have to pay a $3 billion termination fee to Activision Blizzard after July 18 due to the current merger agreement’s expiry. However, altering the deal could also lead to possible new investigations by the CMA.

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But for now, Microsoft is enjoying its victory over FTC in the US. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer said, We’re grateful to the court for swiftly deciding in our favor. The evidence showed the Activision Blizzard deal is good for the industry, and the FTC’s claims about console switching, multi-game subscription services, and cloud don’t reflect the realities of the gaming market.” 

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Surely Microsoft will be looking to repeat the favorable course of the deal in the UK as it did for them in the US. What are your thoughts on Microsoft looking for an offbeat solution to satisfy CMA’s concerns? Let us know in the comments section below.

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Ajitesh Rawat

1,222 Articles

Ajitesh Rawat is a WNBA and College Basketball Writer at EssentiallySports, where he leads the outlet’s Strategy Desk. With a research-driven approach and a reader-first mindset shaped during his stint as a Content Analyst, he covers the mechanics of the game with depth and precision. From injury reports and roster depth charts to player trades and transfer portal moves, Ajitesh brings clarity to the decisions that shape outcomes. Known for highlighting under-covered talent across the women’s game, his reporting has also earned him a spot in ES’ Journalistic Excellence Program. Beyond basketball, Ajitesh’s versatility has seen him spearhead LPGA and LIV Golf coverage while contributing to esports and FPS gaming guides, a reflection of his background as both a game developer and digital strategist. That unique blend of technical expertise and editorial instinct allows him to navigate fast-moving sports landscapes while connecting fans to the tactical and cultural undercurrents driving the games they love.

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