Microsoft's Activision acquisition expected to receive EU approval.

The European Commission is expected to approve Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard next week, with May 15 being the likeliest date for the announcement. Microsoft's willingness to offer game licensing deals to rivals is likely to address antitrust concerns. The acquisition has been approved in several countries, but the UK's Competition and Markets Authority has prevented the deal due to concerns about its impact on the future of the cloud gaming market. Microsoft and Activision have confirmed their intention to appeal the CMA's ruling.