The merger agreement between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard is due to expire on July 18, which would allow either company to walk away from the deal and triggering a $3bn break fee. However, after this week's legal victory in the US courts and a potential lifeline in the UK, people close to the companies say they are likely to agree an extension to the deal early next week. "Things are moving quite quickly," said one person close to the negotiations.
New timetable from Competition and Markets Authority means $75bn transaction could be closed within weeks
www.ft.com