Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is reportedly set for further scrutiny by the UK’s competition watchdog and an “extensive investigation” by EU regulators.
In early September, the UK’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), announced there were “concerns” surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. does not address those concerns. now, financial times reports that the CMA plans to launch this detailed investigation this week.
The Office of Competitive Markets is reportedly set to launch a detailed investigation into Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Microsoft was given five business days to provide evidence mitigating the CMA’s concerns, but Microsoft decided not to, according to Financial Times sources. Sources told the FT that Microsoft chose not to provide evidence at this stage because there was no clear commitment that the CMA would likely accept. , we generally do not accept behavioral remedies such as commitments to maintain access to products and services at the conclusion of a Phase 1 investigation.”
As a result, the CMA now plans to initiate an in-depth Phase 2 investigation. This will allow an independent panel of experts to further examine the risks of the deal and see if the acquisition will harm other companies such as Sony. Big franchises like Call of Duty and Diablo could be missing out on the PlayStation platform.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer recently revealed that Microsoft has given Sony a signed contract that guarantees Call of Duty on PlayStation for “at least a few more years.” However, PlayStation boss Jim Ryan said the proposal was “inadequate on many levels” and that it “did not take into account the implications” for PlayStation gamers.
As for Europe, the FT reports that regulators expect a “protracted” EU investigation after Microsoft filed a lawsuit in Brussels. Sources at the FT said regulators will take time to consider the deal’s size and potential impact on the industry. “It’s a big deal and a tough deal,” a source told the FT. “We need extensive research.”