UPDATE:
The deal is done, as per a new blog post from Microsoft.
"This is an exciting day for Xbox. Today we officially complete the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, parent company of Bethesda Softworks," head of Xbox Phil Spencer writes.
"It’s an honor to welcome the eight incredibly talented development studios – Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios – and their passionate global communities to the Xbox family."
The post ends:
"We will have more to share about what’s next for our teams later this year. In the meantime, to properly celebrate this special moment, we are bringing additional Bethesda games into Xbox Game Pass later this week. Stay tuned for more details!"
Microsoft is expected to share its plans for Bethesda games on Game Pass later this week with an event.
Original Story Follows:
Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda, has moved a step closer after being approved by the EU's antitrust regulator.
The acquisition was cleared without any amendments and should pave the way for the completion of the deal.
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Microsoft's Bethesda Purchase Moves Closer After EU Approval
Private-equity firm Providence Equity Partners has removed ZeniMax from its portfolio website, a sign that the deal is inching closer. Providence had held a 25% stake in the company.
“The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of ZeniMax Media Inc. by Microsoft Corporation," a statement reads.
“The Commission concluded that the proposed acquisition would raise no competition concerns, given the combined entity’s limited market position upstream and the presence of strong downstream competitors in the distribution of video games. The transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure.”
Microsoft had previously agreed to purchase ZeniMax for $7.5 billion in cash.
Rumours have persisted that Microsoft will hold an event in the coming weeks to reveal its plans for Bethesda's studios.
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