Microsoft’s $68 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is under investigation by the UK Competition and Markets Authority. Several global rival groups were expected to consider a deal between Xbox owners and the studio behind the IP, including Call of Duty, Warcraft, Diablo and many more due to its massive nature. If approved, the deal will be the largest in the history of the gaming industry.
“The Competition and Markets Authority is considering whether or not this transaction, if completed, would create an appropriate merger situation under the merger provisions of the Companies Act 2002,” the CMA statement said. . The investigation aims to establish whether the acquisition “could result in a significant decrease in competition” in UK markets.
The first phase of the investigation begins on July 6. There is an initial open comment period from July 6-20, during which the CMA “invites any interested party to comment on the transaction.”
Depending on the outcome, the initial investigation may clear the transaction, or further investigation may be required if the AMC determines there are sufficient grounds to proceed with a deeper Phase 2 investigation. The first stage is September 1, although this it can change during the evaluation process for various reasons, such as if new information becomes available.
Activision Blizzard shareholders recently requested reports of harassment cases in an ongoing lawsuit filed by the state of California over years of workplace discrimination and harassment at Activision Blizzard. Additionally, Activision is currently in talks with the new Raven Software syndicate, made up of QA testers from the Call of Duty: Warzone development studio.
Source : PC Gamesn
