Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition Gets Approved by New Zealand

New Zealand is the latest country to approve Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. A total of 41 countries have now approved Microsoft’s $68 billion deal across the world, though the company is still facing some resistance in the UK.

In the decision from the country’s Commerce Commission published earlier today, Commission Chair Dr. John Small explained that the acquisition was unlikely to harm competition in the country. “While Activision games, in particular Call of Duty, are popular with New Zealand gamers, our enquiries did not find that they are likely to be ‘must have’ in order to compete with Microsoft in New Zealand,” Small said.

Commenting on this new approval, Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft posted that Microsoft remains determined to close the deal as soon as possible. “We will continue to work to resolve outstanding concerns and bring this deal to a close,” the exec said.

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

Due to ongoing discussions with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Microsoft had to extend its deadline to close the deal to October 18. The CMA, however, is expected to share its final decision by August 29, though its notice of extension said that “the Inquiry Group aims to discharge its duty as soon as possible and in advance of this date.”