Microsoft's $68.7 billion Activision acquisition clears key hurdle after UK regulator provisionally approves deal

• Microsoft and Activision Blizzard may finally be at the finish line.
• The CMA provisionally greenlit Microsoft's acquisition of the "Call of Duty" developer.
• It comes after a lengthy period in which the deal was threatened because of competition concerns.

Microsoft's blockbuster acquisition of Activision Blizzard has provisionally been given the green light by the UK's antitrust body, clearing the path for the $68.7 billion deal, following strong opposition from regulators.