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EU Prepares Statement Of Objections For Microsoft Over Its Activision Buy

By  |  January 16, 2023

The European Commission will likely issue a warning to Microsoft regarding the tech giant’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, according to Reuters. Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard has been under heavy scrutiny by several governing bodies, including the United States Federal Trade Commision (FTC), the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), and the European Union’s European Commission. Now, it appears that Microsoft will receive a list of concerns about the deal.

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    The European Commission will share a statement of objections with Microsoft that outlines what the governing body believes are issues with the purchase. Reuters stated that the Commission is preparing the charge sheet now and is expected to send it to Microsoft in the coming weeks.

    Read more: EU Surveys Video Game Industry Over Microsoft-Activision Buy

    A deadline of April 11, 2023 has been set by the European Commission to reach a decision about Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard. It’s generally believed that the EU’s decision will affect how the FTC moves forward about the same deal.

    “We’re continuing to work with the European Commission to address any marketplace concerns. Our goal is to bring more games to more people, and this deal will further that goal,” said Microsoft.

    It’s expected that Microsoft will present several concessionary “remedies” to the EU and CMA. The company has also entered a ten-year commitment to bring Call of Duty to Nintendo Switch and Steam, which was likely made in an effort to sway regulators. Microsoft President Brad Smith offered to make a similar deal with Sony as well to have the popular gaming franchise remain available on PlayStation.