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Microsoft Calls UK Watchdog An ‘Outlier’ For Blocking Activision Tie-Up

By  |  May 30, 2023

On Tuesday, Microsoft criticized Britain’s anti-trust regulator for its decision to block the company’s $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, stating that it is a rare occurrence on a global scale.

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    According to Reuters, the CMA objected to the deal in April due to concerns over potential negative impacts on competition in the emerging cloud gaming market, leading to a heated dispute.

    The appeal made by the company regarding the decision is expected to be heard at the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in late July, as indicated by a judge on Tuesday.

    Related: Sony Calls UK’s Reversed Stance On Microsoft Activision Deal ‘Surprising & Irrational’

    Microsoft’s lawyer Daniel Beard told the CAT: “If this process does not move forward quickly, it jeopardizes this merger being completed.”

    Microsoft disagrees with the CMA’s conclusion that the deal would result in a significant decrease in competition in the UK’s cloud gaming market.

    The merger has been approved by 10 regulators, including the European Union’s competition authority, which granted approval earlier this month, according to his statement.