In a world first, Saudi Arabia approved Microsoft’s X box acquisition of game maker Activation Blizzard

By Ada Lai / [email protected] / 23 August 2022

TAG: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard

Core Clew ：Saudi Arabia has now become the first country in the world to recognize and approve Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, and the regulator known as the Directorate General for Competition has just announced its approval of the acquisition, allowing the deal to proceed, at least in Saudi Arabia…

Saudi Arabia has now become the first country in the world to recognize and approve Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The Saudi Competition regulator has just announced its approval, allowing the deal to proceed, at least in Saudi Arabia.

The news comes from prominent industry watcher Klobrille, who spotted the Directorate General for Competition’s announcement and noted on Twitter that “Saudi Arabia was the first regulator to approve Activision Blizzard’s acquisition.” The move by Saudi Arabia may surprise some, but the deal is widely expected to be completed sometime this month, even in the United States. The merger is currently under review by the Federal Trade Commission.

In July, Microsoft said the Federal Trade Commission would likely approve Microsoft’s X box acquisition of Activision Blizzard (ATVI) in August.

The move follows an ongoing misconduct scandal at Activision Blizzard. Microsoft has promised to make changes, but as things stand, the company’s employees have pushed for union protection.

Microsoft President Brad Smith recently described how the company is following “a new set of principles around employee organization and how we will engage in critical conversations about work with employees, labor organizations, and other key stakeholders.” Smith added, “Our employees will never have to organize to have a conversation with the leaders of Microsoft. But we also recognize that the workplace is changing. That is why we share with the labor organizations the principles that guide our approach.”

The deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, which could happen as early as August, will see a number of IP titles, including Call of Duty, World of War-craft, DIABLO, Over-watch and Wolves, become part of Microsoft’s X box unit.

In January, Microsoft announced it would buy game developer and interactive entertainment publisher Activision Blizzard for $95 per share in a $68.7 billion deal that is expected to close in fiscal 2023. It would be Microsoft’s most expensive acquisition ever.