The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) did not allow Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, out of concern that it would create unfair competition on PlayStation.
Microsoft’s $68.7 billion Activision Blizzard deal has been blocked by UK regulators after months of investigation.
Will Microsoft be able to buy Activision-Blizzard?
The UK Competition and Markets Authority’s decision prevented Microsoft from acquiring the publisher behind Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush. He cited concerns that it would have an unfair effect on its arch-rival PlayStation as the reason.
After the decision was announced, Microsoft said it would appeal. “We are fully committed to this acquisition and will appeal. The CMA’s decision rejects a pragmatic way to address competition concerns and discourages technological innovation and investment in the UK,” Microsoft president Brad Smith said in a statement today. said.
In addition, the company’s statement said: “We have already signed contracts to make Activision Blizzard’s popular games available on 150 million more devices, and we remain committed to strengthening these agreements with regulatory solutions. We are particularly disappointed to see that this decision reflects a flawed understanding on this subject after long deliberations. he hurt”
In its response, Activision Blizzard also criticized the section in the CMA’s statement, “A disgrace to UK citizens who are facing increasing economic prospects”.
A spokesperson for Activision Blizzard said: “The CMA’s report contradicts the UK’s ambition to be an attractive country to build tech businesses. We will work aggressively with Microsoft to reverse this on appeal. “It is a disservice to its citizens. We will reconsider our growth plans for the UK.”