The acquisition process of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been long and complicated. Let’s remember that different regulators worldwide have not accepted this purchase. New Zealand was one of the countries that had not accepted the acquisition. However, things have changed. Right now, New Zealand approves the purchase of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft.
With this new country accepting the purchase, all that remains is for Australian regulators to give the go-ahead and for the United Kingdom to remove the block on the purchase. New Zealand’s decision has undoubtedly left the UK in a difficult situation.
New Zealand approves purchase of Activision Blizzard
Microsoft is currently celebrating another victory after the technology company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard was approved by New Zealand. There are now 41 nations that have already given the go-ahead.
However, the purchase has been hampered by numerous administrative delays. Essential steps continue to be made and completed for Microsoft’s benefit, slowly, although the purchase is already taken for granted by many organizations expressing themselves on social networks.
Two nations in Oceania, Australia, and New Zealand, have received the most attention for being the most significant from a broader global perspective. New Zealand is the one that has determined that Microsoft’s purchase of 100% of Activision Blizzard’s common stock will not result in unfair competition after examining all the issues it considered important and of concern.
Australia and the United Kingdom are the hurdles to finalize the process of buying Activision Blizzard
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been approved in New Zealand, leaving the decision of neighboring Australia pending. While other regulatory bodies saw the need to investigate the implications of Microsoft not bringing Activision Blizzard games to PlayStation consoles, Nintendo Switch, or cloud-based services, no such investigation was necessary in New Zealand. This is because, despite recognizing the importance of games like Call of Duty in their nation, their absence on Microsoft’s rival platforms would not amount to unfair competition. After all, they are not essential.
With today’s approval from New Zealand, we’re cleared to move forward with our acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 41 countries. We will continue to work to resolve outstanding concerns and bring this deal to a close. https://t.co/PwoJj490Ah
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) August 8, 2023
Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, has wanted to refer to this matter through his official Twitter account, celebrating the right decision of New Zealand. According to him, they already have permission to give the green light to the acquisition in 41 countries. However, they will probably not start the purchase until Australia pronounces itself and, above all, until the blockade put by the United Kingdom is solved.
Seeing that New Zealand approves the purchase of Activision Blizzard, Australia is the only country that remains neutral, as they have not yet decided on this thorny issue. They are likely ready to act as the only ones left to give their verdict.