Microsoft might consider pulling Activision out of the UK to sidestep the CMA's ruling

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Microsoft is potentially considering taking Activision out of the UK in order to not have to deal with the country blocking its acquisition.

The whole Microsoft trying to acquire Activision Blizzard thing was always going to be a long process considering it was a $70 billion dollar deal, with the main hurdle being getting it approved by various regulators in numerous territories. Microsoft hit a bit of a snag in April when the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) decided to block the merger, which obviously the tech giant wasn’t happy about. Now, according to a new report from Bloomberg, it seems that Microsoft is considering some pretty extreme options to get the deal though, including outright pulling Activision from the UK (paywall, thanks VGC).

According to the report, Microsoft president Brad Smith will be meeting with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt next week to express disappointment at the CMA’s decision to block the deal. Microsoft did also confirm that Smith will come to London, where he’s currently planned to deliver a talk about “potential of AI and the need for thoughtful regulation of it.” A private talk is also being held to address other issues, “including the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard as we remain committed to finding creative and constructive ways to address remaining regulatory concerns,” a spokesperson said.

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