Microsoft accuses CMA of blocking Activision deal
Microsoft accuses the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), of being an outlier in blocking its takeover of Activision Blizzard deal. Microsoft is appealing the decision and argues that multiple regulators have already approved the merger.
Microsoft is accusing UK’s anti-trust regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), of being an outlier in blocking its $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard deal, the maker of “Call of Duty.” The CMA vetoed the deal in April, citing concerns about competition in the UK’s cloud gaming market. Microsoft is appealing to CMA’s ruling and wants the appeal to be heard in July, while the CMA argues that September is the earliest feasible timeline. Microsoft’s lawyer argues that ten other regulators, including the European Union’s competition authority, have already approved the merger and that such a ‘decision is wrong and purports to stop this merger worldwide in relation to a tiny part of the gaming industry.’ Microsoft has also appealed to the US Federal Trade Commission’s action to block the deal.
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