Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard will face ‘in-depth’ UK investigation

Microsoft might want to abandon the hope of a speedy merger with Activision Blizzard. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority is referring the takeover for an “in-depth” (Phase 2, in CMA lingo) investigation. The regulator is still concerned the buyout could lead to a “substantial lessening” of competition in the country after launching a basic inquiry in July. 

The Authority signalled its intention to launch a deeper investigation on September 1st. It gave Microsoft until September 8th to propose acceptable concessions. Microsoft declined, and the CMA stepped up its scrutiny. We’ve asked the company for comment and will update if we hear back.

The investigation won’t necessarily block the deal. It could significantly delay the proposed union, however, and might demand more compromises on Microsoft’s part. With that said, both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have said they’ll cooperate with regulators. Microsoft gaming lead Phil Spencer said his company would keep Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles, for example. Unless the CMA has strong objections, it may be more a question of when the merger completes than whether it happens at all.

Author: Jon Fingas. [Source Link (*), Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics]

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