Microsoft appeals CMA's decision not to approve Activision Blizzard deal

As expected, Microsoft has appealed the decision of the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) not to approve its merger with Activision Blizzard.

Here's What We Know

According to Bloomberg, the case will go to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), where it will be heard by three judges.

If the court sides with Microsoft, the CMA will re-examine all aspects of the deal. However, such a CAT decision gives no guarantee that the CMA will change its decision, especially as Bloomberg claims that there has not been a single case where the Competition Authority has completely reversed its decision after the Court of Appeal's verdict.

The process could drag on for up to nine months as the CAT judges scrutinise every argument for and against the CMA.

Recall that Microsoft is facing an equally complicated process with the US Federal Trade Commission, which starts in August 2023 and will also drag on for more than a month.

Microsoft's lawyers have a lot of work ahead of them.

Source: Bloomberg