Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision: What Happened in the UK and What's Next?

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion is one of the biggest deals in the video game industry's history. However, the acquisition hit a roadblock in the UK, where regulators blocked the deal on antitrust grounds. In this article, we will explore what happened in the UK and what's next for Microsoft's acquisition of Activision.

UK Regulators Block Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

On April 26, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, stating that the deal could reduce competition in the UK video game market. The CMA also cited concerns about the impact on innovation, choice, and quality for gamers in the UK.

The CMA's decision came after an investigation that lasted for several months and involved consultations with industry stakeholders, including gamers, developers, and publishers. The CMA also reviewed data and documents from Microsoft and Activision Blizzard.

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Microsoft and Activision Respond to UK Ban

Following the CMA's decision, Microsoft and Activision issued statements expressing disappointment and disagreement with the CMA's findings. Microsoft's statement highlighted the benefits of the acquisition, such as expanding the Xbox gaming ecosystem, creating new opportunities for game developers, and enhancing innovation.

Activision's statement emphasized the company's commitment to compliance with regulatory requirements and stated that the company would explore its options. Activision also noted that the company's operations and ownership would remain unchanged until the acquisition was completed.

What's Next for Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision?

Despite the setback in the UK, Microsoft's acquisition of Activision is still pending regulatory approval in other jurisdictions, including the US and Europe. The deal has already received approval from Ukraine's antitrust authorities.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently reviewing the deal, but it is unclear when the agency will make a decision. The European Union's antitrust regulator, the European Commission, has also started a preliminary review of the deal.

If the deal is approved by all regulatory authorities, Microsoft will become the owner of some of the biggest gaming franchises, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush. The acquisition would also bolster Microsoft's position in the gaming industry, where it competes with rivals such as Sony and Nintendo.

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard hit a roadblock in the UK, where regulators blocked the deal on antitrust grounds. The CMA's decision has raised concerns about the impact on competition, innovation, choice, and quality for gamers in the UK. However, the acquisition is still pending regulatory approval in other jurisdictions, and Microsoft and Activision have expressed their commitment to the deal. The outcome of the regulatory review process will determine the fate of one of the biggest deals in the video game industry's history.

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