The saga continues.
Microsoft is reportedly considering withdrawing Activision Blizzard from the UK in an attempt to push its planned acquisition of the publisher over the line.
A new Bloomberg report (via VGC) says that Microsoft president Brad Smith is planning to meet up with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt this week to discuss the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) block of the $69 billion USD acquisition.
Microsoft has confirmed that Smith will be in the UK to give a talk on AI.
The report suggests Smith plans to discuss “extreme” options such pressing on with the acquisition despite the block, or withdrawing Activision Blizzard from the UK entirely.
VGC correctly points out that such a move won’t necessarily remove Activision Blizzard products from sale in the UK, but certainly would mean a loss of jobs in the country; Activision Blizzard would need to base its operations in another European country as a result.
The European Union’s European Commission (EC) approved Microsoft’s planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard last month.
This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. Stevivor is an independent outlet and our journalism is in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
