UK’s CMA investigating Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard

We'll know its result by September.

The UK-based Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has declared it will investigate Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

The purpose of the investigation is to decide whether or not the acquisition would be anti-competitive.

“As with all merger reviews, this investigation will consider whether the deal could harm competition and lead to worse outcomes for consumers — for example, through higher prices, lower quality, or reduced choice,” the CMA said (via GamesIndustry.biz).

The CMA also said it will come to a conclusion by 1 September 2022, and will work with other organisations like the USA’s Federal Trade Commission (FTC) when appropriate. The FTC is in the midst of a similar investigation itself.

Microsoft plans to finalise its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023.