Description

Issued Commerce Commission ruling approving Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard

On 8 August 2023, New Zealand's Commerce Commission announced the conclusion of its investigation into Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, approving the merger. The decision was based on the importance of Activision games to New Zealand gamers and whether Microsoft would hinder rivals from offering those games. The Commission concluded that the merger is unlikely to significantly reduce competition in the New Zealand market, as the identified games are not considered essential for competing against Microsoft.

Original source

Scope

Policy Area
Competition
Policy Instrument
Merger control regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
software provider: other software
Implementation Level
national
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
competition authority

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2023-06-20
in consultation

On 20 June 2023, New Zealand’s Commerce Commission issued a Statement of Issues and opened a consul…

2023-07-04
processing consultation

On 4 July 2023, New Zealand’s Commerce Commission closed its consultation concerning the applicatio…

2023-08-08
concluded

On 8 August 2023, New Zealand's Commerce Commission announced the conclusion of its investigation i…