UK authorities oppose Microsoft purchase of Activision Blizzard

Office of Markets and CompetitionSMA) owned Great Britain made preliminary conclusions about the purchase for 69 billion dollars Activision Blizzard To Microsoft.

According to this important body, this deal “could lead to a significant reduction in competition, higher prices and a decrease in opportunities and innovation for players in the country.”

previous findings

Answer SMA This purchase is one of the most important in the world after the US Federal Trade Commission.

The British agency has proposed a number of structural measures, including the sale of businesses related to call of Dutypart of an Activision business, or blocking the merger entirely. SMA also said it would consider behavioral defenses that promise competitors access call of Dutyalthough he noted concerns about his ability to manage them.

“Our goal is to make players Great Britain Don’t get caught in the crossfire of global deals that can hurt competition over time and lead to higher prices, fewer choices, or less innovation. We have tentatively found that this may be the case,” said Martin Coleman, chair of the independent panel of experts conducting this Phase 2 investigation.

SMA asked Microsoft to answer about how you can solve your problems before February 22. Legal deadline for SMA the release of the final report is scheduled for April 26, although the agency has previously said it hopes to complete the investigation before then.

Microsoft strikes back

Supervisory Body Investigation Great Britain focused on whether the deal would allow Microsoft shut down competing console gaming platforms and cloud gaming service providers.

“We are committed to offering effective and easy-to-apply solutions that solve problems SMARima Alai, Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Microsoft. “Our commitment to provide long-term 100% equal access to call of Duty with Sony, Nintendo, Steam and others, maintains the benefits of the agreement for gamers and developers and increases competition in the market.”

“Steps by the European Commission and SMA they are a normal part of your assessment process. This opens the door to discuss the various commitments that Microsoft can make to allay concerns through ongoing dialogue and engagement with regulators,” Activision CEO Bobby Kotick said in an email to employees familiarized with Bloomberg.

Sony and PlayStation were opposed to the purchase, arguing that “it’s a game-changer and a threat to the industry.”

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