Microsoft seeks ways to finalize Activision deal despite UK opposition

Microsoft is reportedly exploring legal options to close its $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, even if it cannot overturn the UK regulator's opposition. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal in late April to prevent alleged competition issues in the cloud gaming market. Microsoft has filed an appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), though even if it succeeds with the appeal, the ball will roll back to the CMA anyway. Some lawyers were hired and tasked to investigate options, including Activision removing itself from the UK or forcefully closing the transaction and challenging the final CMA veto in court.