Britain clears Microsoft's $69bn Activision Blizzard deal

"We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition," said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President.

The deal has hung in the balance for months as it ran up against concerns from global antitrust regulators including an initial veto from the UK.

Microsoft Corp.’s $69bn (€6.55bn) acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. was approved by the UK competition watchdog, removing the final major global regulatory hurdle that stood in the way of the biggest ever gaming deal completing.

The Competition and Markets Authority said Friday that Microsoft’s restructured offer to sell some gaming rights to French publisher Ubisoft Entertainment SA satisfied any competition concerns it had. The agency said it would preserve competitive prices and better services.