UK watchdog looking into Microsoft and Activision mega deal

Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard Under Regulatory Scrutiny in the UK

The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority is adding another hurdle to Microsoft’s $68.7 billion plan to acquire Activision Blizzard. The watchdog is investigating whether the merger would negatively impact competition in the UK, with a decision expected by September 1st. Public feedback on the matter is welcome until July 20th.

Microsoft’s Strategy to Navigate Regulatory Challenges

Anticipating scrutiny, Microsoft has made efforts to address regulatory concerns, including a labor neutrality agreement with the Communications Workers of America. This move comes after quality assurance workers at Activision’s Raven Software studio unionized. However, the effectiveness of these actions remains uncertain, as evidenced by NVIDIA’s failed bid to acquire ARM due to legal challenges from the FTC. The collapse of that deal marked a significant moment in regulatory affairs.