U.K. issues preliminary approval for Microsoft-Activision merger

News Snapshot:

The biggest tech acquisition in U.S. history is on its way to the finish line following several hurdles from regulators across the globe. Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) $69B purchase of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI) will transform the gaming player into a gaming behemoth, with the company behind Xbox becoming the new owner of popular gaming franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. Microsoft (MSFT) has gone to great lengths to address concerns about its new market position, committing to "helping bring more games to more people" and "creating more opportunities for gamers and game developers." Backdrop: Getting the deal approved wasn't...