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UK Watchdog Delays Microsoft-Activision Merger Verdict By 2 Months

By  |  January 5, 2023

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a revised administrative timetable for rendering its decision on the proposed merger between Xbox owners Microsoft and Call of Duty developer/publisher Activision. 

Originally sent to issue its final report by March 1, the CMA has delayed that report to now arrive on April 26. Last we heard from the CMA, the UK government body was polling the public to gauge its approval of the merger, with a reported 75 percent of the population surveyed being in favor as of December.

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We should also note that the schedule now indicates provisional findings and possible remedies for any issues the CMA might raise that will take place between January and February.

 Additionally, a new round of hearings for responses from Microsoft, Sony, Activision Blizzard, and other affected parties will take place between February and March. A deadline for all final responses will be set later in March, with the final report coming by April 26 at the latest.