Microsoft triumphed before the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC), so it is getting closer to buying Activision Blizzard. However, the tech giant still has to deal with the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
It seemed that everything would favor Microsoft, as the CMA decided to pause its legal battle with the company to negotiate the purchase of Activision Blizzard. However, things will not be easy, as the CMA suggested that this could lead to a new investigation, which would delay the whole process even more.
Find out: Microsoft beats the FTC and Sony! Activision will be yours
Related video: Pay to win? Microsoft is buying the video game industry
The CMA will put more obstacles to the purchase of Activision Blizzard
Billy Proudlock, in charge of the communication of the CMA, made some not very encouraging statements for the future of the purchase of Activision Blizzard. He stated that the regulator is willing to negotiate; however, this may lead to a new investigation process.
He added that they will listen to Microsoft’s plans to restructure the acquisition, but made it clear that the CMA has not changed its mind for now and is still opposed to the acquisition. Re-investigation will take time, so the purchase could take longer than expected to complete.
On the other hand, Proudlock revealed that the new talks between Microsoft and the CMA are in their initial phase, so there is still a whole process pending.
“While merging parties do not have the opportunity to bring new remedies once a final report has been issued, they may choose to restructure an agreement, which may lead to a new merger investigation.
“Microsoft and Activision have indicated that they are considering how the transaction could be modified, and the CMA is prepared to engage with them on this basis. These discussions are at an early stage and the nature and timing of the next steps will be determined in due course. While both parties have requested a pause in Microsoft’s appeal to allow these discussions to take place, the CMA’s decision set out in its final report stands,” the regulator stated.
Thus, it is not ruled out that things get a bit complicated for Microsoft, especially if the CMA starts a new investigation process. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that the regulator will change its mind, so the company could think of other alternatives to close the purchase despite the obstacles of the CMA.
In case you missed it: “Gaming won!” Xbox fans celebrate Microsoft’s victory over the FTC
Find all the news related to the purchase of Activision Blizzard at this link.
Related video: The most anticipated video games: bombings, promises and jewels of July
Editorial: Gaming / Facebook / Twitter / Youtube / instagram / News / discord /Telegram / Google news
