Microsoft has cleared another hurdle in its attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard as the deal has been approved by The Competition Commission of South Africa (CCSA).
The approval was announced on Monday as part of the commission’s regular meeting results.
According to the CCSA, they investigated the deal based on concerns that Call of Duty may become restricted to the Xbox only. It was also worried that competing platforms would be undermined in regard to future Activision Blizzard titles.
“The Commission found that the proposed transaction is unlikely to result in significant foreclosure concerns as the parties do not have the ability and incentive to foreclose competing game distributors, particularly Sony (Playstation) and Nintendo (Switch). Furthermore, the merging parties have made undertakings to continue supplying Call of Duty games to other console manufacturers.
“Therefore, the Commission found that the proposed transaction is unlikely to result in a substantial prevention or lessening of competition in any relevant markets. The Commission further found that the proposed transaction does not raise any substantial public interest concerns.”
“The South African Competition Commission recommended approval of our merger with Microsoft based on a thorough review of the facts about competition in the gaming industry,” Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said. “We appreciate this additional affirmation from an important global regulator.”
With South Africa’s approval, Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard has now been approved by six different bodies. That said, it is still awaiting approval in the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union, among others.
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