Japan has approved Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. The news comes directly from the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC).
“The Japan Fair Trade Commission has determined that this act does not substantially restrict competition in certain business fields,” the organization says.
“As a result of the examination of the submission of a plan notification regarding the acquisition of shares and merger based on the provisions of the Antimonopoly Act, it was determined that competition in certain transaction fields would not be substantially restricted, and the Company notified the group of companies concerned that it would not issue a cease and desist order, and the examination was completed,” the commission’s statement reads.
This approval is the latest path cleared as Microsoft continues its push to close its $69 billion acquisition of the Call Of Duty and World of Warcraft publisher.
In addition to Japanese approval, Microsoft recently gained UK CMA approval on the deal when it came to console gaming. That said, cloud gaming is still something under scrutiny ahead of the organization’s final decision by April 26. Microsoft is also still waiting for US regulators to make a decision on the purchase.
In other Japan gaming news, 11 members of US Congress have requested the Biden administration investigate Sony. They state that Sony’s business practices harm Microsoft in the country.
What do you think of Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard being approved in Japan?
Want more Insider Gaming? Check out the latest information on E3 2023, including more companies backing out of the show.
