Microsoft Might Be Preparing to Close ActiBlizz Deal Despite UK Opposition

According to a paywalled report from MLex (via ResetEra’s Ida), Microsoft might be exploring legal options to close its groundbreaking $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard even if it cannot overturn the UK regulator’s opposition. As you most certainly remember, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal in late April to prevent alleged competition issues in the cloud gaming market. Microsoft has filed an appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), though even if it succeeds with the appeal, the ball will roll back to the CMA anyway. Since success is far from guaranteed, it makes sense…