Japan: Announced JFTC approval of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard

On 28 March 2023, the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) approved Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Following an investigation into the proposed acquisition, the JFTC found that the merger would not substantially restrain competition in the game development and publishing service for the game console and personal computer market. Activision Blizzard is a video game holding company headquartered in the United States of America. As part of its phase 1 review, the JFTC has invited third parties to provide information and comments regarding the possible impacts of the merger on competition. In its investigation, the JFTC analyzed the information provided by third parties and consumers and determined that the acquisition would not negatively affect competition and does not violate the Antimonopoly Act.