Microsoft and Activision Blizzard agree to extend merger agreement to October

Photo by Hakan Nural / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have agreed to extend their merger agreement pending the outcome of negotiations with UK regulators. Both parties will now have until October 18th to finalize the transaction, after missing yesterday’s original deal deadline.

The delay is related to Microsoft’s ongoing negotiations with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The UK regulator originally blocked the deal over cloud gaming concerns earlier this year. While Microsoft has appealed that decision, the company is also preparing to reportedly offer a new proposal to sell off its rights to cloud gaming in the UK to try and get the deal over the line.

The merger extension comes after a case management conference in the UK on Monday, where the…