The CMA may reconsider its position on the merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. The parties have agreed to suspend litigation and resume negotiations
Today it became known that Microsoft won a lawsuit against the US Federal Trade Commission and received permission to acquire Activision Blizzard.
Here's What We Know
The UK regulators remain the only opponents of the deal, but they too seem willing to reconsider their decision.
Microsoft's court hearings against the CMA were due to begin on 28 July, but they probably won't be necessary.
The parties have agreed to suspend proceedings and continue negotiations to settle existing claims.
Following the judgement in the US, our attention returns to the UK. Whilst we do not agree with the CMA's concerns, we are considering how the [merger] transaction can be amended to address these concerns in a way that is acceptable to the CMA. To prioritise work on these proposals, Microsoft and Activision have agreed with the CMA that a stay of the UK proceedings is in the public interest and the parties have made a joint application to the Competition Appeal Tribunal - said Brad Smith, president of Microsoft
Our statement on the mutual request with the CMA for a pause of our appeal in the UK: pic.twitter.com/8Aky2IJjjxS
- Brad Smith (@BradSmi) July 11, 2023
Well, it appears that the drawn-out story of the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger is coming to an end. The gaming industry's biggest deal may soon be closed.
