The New Zealand Trade Commission today announced approval of the acquisition of renowned video game entertainment company, Activision Blizzard, by technology giant Microsoft. The decision marks a significant milestone in the tech and gaming industries as the two companies prepare to join forces in a strategic collaboration.
With today's approval from New Zealand, we are authorized to move forward with the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 41 countries. We will continue to work to resolve outstanding issues and complete this agreement.
The acquisition, which had been subject to intense scrutiny by regulatory authorities, was finally cleared after rigorous assessments of its impact on competition, consumers and the wider market. The Commerce Commission determined that the transaction does not raise substantial concerns regarding monopoly or excessive concentration of power in the market, emphasizing that consumer protection safeguards and the maintenance of healthy competition were adequately addressed by the parties involved.
With approval from the New Zealand Trade Commission, the acquisition is one step closer to closing, signaling an exciting new chapter for the global gaming and technology industry.