Microsoft and Activision , Extend Deadline , for Contested Acquisition .<br />The Verge reports that Microsoft <br />and Activision have agreed to extend the <br />deadline on their massive merger to October 18.<br />The Verge reports that Microsoft <br />and Activision have agreed to extend the <br />deadline on their massive merger to October 18.<br />The news comes after the companies <br />missed the original July 18 deadline.<br />The recent decision in the U.S. and <br />approvals in 40 countries all validate <br />that the deal is good for competition, <br />players and the future of gaming, Lulu Cheng Meservey, Activision Blizzard’s CCO <br />and EVP of corporate affairs, via Twitter.<br />The Verge reports that the high-profile <br />deal is now pending the outcome of ongoing <br />negotiations with regulators in the U.K.<br />Given global regulatory approvals and the <br />companies’ confidence that CMA now <br />recognizes there are remedies available <br />to meet their concerns in the U.K., .., Lulu Cheng Meservey, Activision Blizzard’s CCO <br />and EVP of corporate affairs, via Twitter.<br />... the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft <br />boards of directors have authorized <br />the companies not to terminate <br />the deal until after October 18, Lulu Cheng Meservey, Activision Blizzard’s CCO <br />and EVP of corporate affairs, via Twitter.<br />According to Microsoft Vice Chair and <br />President Brad Smith, the extension is meant , “to provide ample time to work <br />through the final regulatory issues.”.<br />According to Microsoft Vice Chair and <br />President Brad Smith, the extension is meant , “to provide ample time to work <br />through the final regulatory issues.”.<br />The Verge reports that the new deadline <br />also comes with a higher termination fee <br />and a new set of commercial arrangements. .<br />Both companies have agreed to <br />a $3.5 billion termination fee if <br />the deal fails to close by August 29. .<br />Both companies have agreed to <br />a $3.5 billion termination fee if <br />the deal fails to close by August 29. .<br />That fee jumps to $4.5 billion if the merger <br />is not completed by September 15.<br />Regulators in the U.K. blocked the deal over <br />concerns about cloud gaming earlier this year
