The world of tech is abuzz with anticipation as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gears up to release its final ruling on Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The deal was first announced in January 2022, and since then, the CMA has been conducting investigations to determine whether the merger will harm competition in the video game industry. Now, it seems we are finally getting close to a verdict. According to reports, insiders suggest that the final decision could be announced by April. This news has sent shockwaves through both gaming and tech circles, with many eagerly awaiting what could be a pivotal moment in the industry’s future.
1. UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) narrows probe of Microsoft’s $68.7B bid for Activision Blizzard
The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has recently announced that it has narrowed its probe into Microsoft’s $68.7 billion bid for Activision Blizzard. This is good news for Microsoft, who has been waiting for the final ruling on the acquisition. Previously, the CMA had raised concerns regarding competition in the UK console gaming and cloud gaming market, but it seems that they no longer believe the acquisition will endanger the console market. This change in tone is indicative of the CMA’s growing confidence in the proposed merger. The CMA’s provisional conclusion is optimistic, stating that there will be no negative impact on competition in the gaming market. The final ruling on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard purchase is expected by April from the CMA, and Microsoft will be eagerly anticipating the outcome.
2. CMA raises concerns regarding competition in UK console gaming and cloud gaming
The UK Competition & Markets Authority raised concerns about competition in the UK console gaming and cloud gaming markets in its probe of Microsoft’s $68.7 billion bid for Activision Blizzard. However, the CMA’s latest update indicates that they no longer believe the acquisition will negatively impact the console market. The watchdog is now focused on Microsoft’s strong position in cloud gaming, which continues to be a concern for the CMA. Despite this, the CMA provisionally concluded that the acquisition would not harm competition overall. With the EU also set to release its final judgement on the merger, there is hope that the acquisition will be approved without further concerns. The CMA is set to release their final ruling on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard purchase by April, with extended deadlines given for both European Commission and CMA decisions. Overall, the situation seems to be moving towards a positive outcome.
3. CMA no longer believes the console market would be endangered by Microsoft’s acquisition
With the UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) having narrowed its probe into Microsoft’s proposed $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, there has been an update on the preliminary findings. While there were initial concerns around competition in the UK console gaming and cloud gaming markets, the CMA has now reported that it no longer believes that the console market would be endangered by Microsoft’s acquisition of the gaming giant. This announcement comes as welcome news to Microsoft, Activision, and the wider gaming industry, indicating that the acquisition is moving closer to completion. Despite concerns around Microsoft’s already strong position in cloud gaming, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the acquisition will not have a negative impact. The final ruling on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard purchase is expected sometime in April from the CMA.
4. Microsoft’s strong position in cloud gaming a concern for CMA
While the UK’s Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) no longer believes that Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard will harm the console gaming market, it still has concerns about the deal’s impact on the cloud gaming market. Microsoft’s strong position in cloud gaming has been a major concern for the CMA, as it could give the company an unfair competitive advantage. Despite these concerns, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the acquisition will not result in a negative impact overall. With the final ruling on the acquisition expected to be released by the end of April, there is optimism that the CMA and European Union will ultimately approve the deal.
5. CMA provisionally concludes acquisition will not result in negative impact
The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally concluded that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will not lead to negative impacts in the console gaming market. This decision comes after concerns were raised regarding competition in both console and cloud gaming. While the CMA acknowledges that Microsoft’s strong position in cloud gaming remains a concern, they no longer believe the acquisition will harm the console gaming market. This is a positive development for Microsoft and its bid to acquire Activision Blizzard, as the CMA’s previous findings did suggest potential harm to UK gamers. With the final ruling on the merger expected by April, Microsoft can remain optimistic about the acquisition’s approval in both the UK and EU markets.
6. EU to release final judgement on Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger
The European Commission’s deadline for ruling on Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard may have been extended, but the news from the UK’s Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) is more encouraging. The CMA’s provisional conclusion that the acquisition will not have a negative impact on competition is a promising development for Microsoft. The final ruling from the CMA is expected by April, which is good news for both companies involved in the merger. The fact that the CMA no longer believes the acquisition will lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the console games market is particularly positive. It seems that the potential harm to UK gamers has been addressed and that the acquisition will benefit both companies involved. With the EU expected to release its final judgement soon, it will be interesting to see if they follow the same positive outlook as the CMA.
7. CMA issues update on Microsoft-Activision Blizzard proposed acquisition
The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has issued an update on its investigation into Microsoft’s proposed $68.7 billion acquisition of video game maker, Activision Blizzard. While initial concerns were raised about the potential impact on competition in the console gaming market, the CMA now no longer believes that the acquisition would endanger this market. However, the regulator is still concerned about Microsoft’s strong position in the cloud gaming market, which could lead to higher prices and a reduction in choice for consumers. Nevertheless, the CMA has provisionally concluded that the proposed acquisition will not result in a negative impact. The EU will also release its final judgement on the merger, while the CMA’s final ruling is expected by April. The release of new responses from Microsoft, Activision, and Sony by the CMA indicate that progress is being made towards a successful acquisition. Overall, this update is optimistic and suggests that Microsoft may soon be able to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
8. New responses from Microsoft, Activision, and Sony released by CMA
The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has released new responses from Microsoft, Activision, and Sony regarding Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The CMA’s investigation raised concerns about competition in the UK console gaming and cloud gaming markets, as well as Microsoft’s strong position in the latter. However, the CMA’s provisional conclusion is that the acquisition will not result in a negative impact on competition. With the European Union set to issue a decision by April 11th, the final ruling on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard purchase is expected soon from the CMA. Despite initial concerns, the tone of the updates from the CMA is optimistic about the future of the console games market.
9. Deadlines extended for European Commission and CMA decisions on acquisition
In what is seen as a positive development for Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the deadlines for the European Commission and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to reach a final decision on the transaction have been extended. This extension provides the regulatory bodies with more time to complete their investigations and analyze the potential market impact of the deal. The CMA is expected to release its final ruling by April, and with the recent progress made, there is optimism that the acquisition will be approved with minimal conditions, paving the way for Microsoft to expand its presence in the gaming industry.
10. Final ruling on Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard purchase expected by April from CMA.
With the UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) narrowing its probe of Microsoft’s $68.7 billion bid for Activision Blizzard, the final ruling on the acquisition is expected to arrive by April. While the CMA initially raised concerns regarding competition in UK console gaming and cloud gaming, it has provisionally concluded that the acquisition will not result in any negative impacts. The release of new responses from Microsoft, Activision, and Sony by the CMA has further added to the optimism surrounding the deal. Although previous concerns had arisen about Microsoft’s strong position in cloud gaming, the CMA’s subsequent update has brought new hope to the gaming industry. As the deadlines for the European Commission and CMA decisions have been extended, experts remain confident that the final ruling will be positive, paving the way for a new era in gaming.