UK regulator U-turns on Microsoft’s $75bn Activision deal
Surprise move clears big roadblock to global approval of acquisition of ‘Call of Duty’ maker
www.ft.com
One leading antitrust lawyer said: "This is a very unusual development. In CMA-era cases, there has only been one other occurrence of 'updated' provisional findings that I'm aware of." "This is extremely unusual," said an ex-CMA lawyer. "Restating your provisional findings is something you would rather die than do."
From the lawyer
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A new report from MLex (just recapping the new PF) includes official statements from MS and ABK.
I guess that these have already been posted, but just in case:
- A Microsoft spokesperson said: "We appreciate the CMA's rigorous and thorough evaluation of the evidence and welcome its updated provisional findings. This deal will provide more players with more choice in how they play Call of Duty and their favorite games. We look forward to working with the CMA to resolve any outstanding concerns."
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson said: "The CMA's updated provisional findings show an improved understanding of the console gaming market and demonstrate a commitment to supporting players and competition. Sony's campaign to protect its dominance by blocking our merger can't overcome the facts, and Microsoft has already presented effective and enforceable remedies to address each of the CMA's remaining concerns. We know this deal will benefit competition, innovation, and consumers in the UK”.
- Sony declined to comment, according to MLex.
- Final report still coming by April 26.
Lots of things are going to happen in the next 5 weeks: new responses to the addendum PF, amended remedies will be offered (very likely dropping the ones about the console market), the remedies working paper is probably delayed until early April now and the final report is still coming by April 26th (in theory it could happen sooner but now the CMA has the same time but extra work, unlikely then).
Fun weeks ahead!
——————
A new report from MLex (just recapping the new PF) includes official statements from MS and ABK.
I guess that these have already been posted, but just in case:
- A Microsoft spokesperson said: "We appreciate the CMA's rigorous and thorough evaluation of the evidence and welcome its updated provisional findings. This deal will provide more players with more choice in how they play Call of Duty and their favorite games. We look forward to working with the CMA to resolve any outstanding concerns."
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson said: "The CMA's updated provisional findings show an improved understanding of the console gaming market and demonstrate a commitment to supporting players and competition. Sony's campaign to protect its dominance by blocking our merger can't overcome the facts, and Microsoft has already presented effective and enforceable remedies to address each of the CMA's remaining concerns. We know this deal will benefit competition, innovation, and consumers in the UK”.
- Sony declined to comment, according to MLex.
- Final report still coming by April 26.
Lots of things are going to happen in the next 5 weeks: new responses to the addendum PF, amended remedies will be offered (very likely dropping the ones about the console market), the remedies working paper is probably delayed until early April now and the final report is still coming by April 26th (in theory it could happen sooner but now the CMA has the same time but extra work, unlikely then).
Fun weeks ahead!
Some say they brought this upon themselves.. but as a public company they had to do something, the actions they took and or didn’t was inevitable
Their provisional findings were off base and mathematically wrong. Microsoft’s lawyers did an excellent job.UK regulator U-turns on Microsoft’s $75bn Activision deal
Surprise move clears big roadblock to global approval of acquisition of ‘Call of Duty’ maker
One leading antitrust lawyer said: "This is a very unusual development. In CMA-era cases, there has only been one other occurrence of 'updated' provisional findings that I'm aware of." "This is extremely unusual," said an ex-CMA lawyer. "Restating your provisional findings is something you would rather die than do."
I had my first Delirium Tremens last night! I wasn’t expecting so much flavor based on the light color! More is needed!
It’s delicious. Always tastes like a blueberry muffin to me lol.
Rumour: Xbox Is Talking To 'Major' Japanese Publishers About Acquisitions
Even while the ActiBlizz deal is underway
www.purexbox.com
I can't even explain how dysfunctional you have to be to be THAT invested in video games. Holy s***!