Microsoft-Activision Deal Faces In-Depth UK Antitrust Probe
- Tie-up will get a phase 2 CMA review unless remedies accepted
- Watchdog says deal may harm competition in gaming markets
Activision Blizzard Inc. during the E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.
Photographer: Troy Harvey/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Microsoft Corp.’s planned $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard Inc. will be sent for an in-depth review unless the tech giant offers remedies to address the UK watchdog’s concerns.
The Competition and Markets Authority said Thursday it was concerned about a substantial lessening of competition in the gaming consoles, multi-game subscription services and cloud gaming markets. It gave Microsoft a Sept. 8 deadline to come to an acceptable agreement with the agency.