Britain’s antitrust watchdog known as the Competition and Market Authority (CMA), has launched an investigation into Microsoft’s US$68.7 billion deal to buy Activision Blizzard.<\/p>\n
The antitrust watchdogs said it would take until September 1 to make phase 1 decision on whether the deal between Microsoft and video game maker Activision would reduce competition in the U.K.<\/p>\n
The phase 1 investigation will decide whether the transaction is cleared or whether the investigation will move to an in-depth phase 2 review.<\/p>\n
“We’re committed to answering questions from regulators and ultimately believe a thorough review will help the deal close with broad confidence and that it will be positive for competition. We expect and think it’s appropriate for regulators to take a close look at this acquisition, “said Lisa Tanzi, Microsoft’s corporate vice president and general counsel.<\/p>\n
Microsoft announced plans in January to buy “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard for US$68.7 billion, which will go down in history as the largest deal in the gaming industry once it is completed.<\/p>\n
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will bolster the company’s firepower in the booming videogaming market.<\/p>\n