United Kingdom: Closed consultation on Microsoft’s new proposal of Activision Blizzard acquisition
Description
Closed consultation on Microsoft’s new proposal of Activision Blizzard acquisition
On 1 September, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) closed the consultation on Microsoft's new restructured deal, after the CMA issued a final order blocking the original deal on 22 August 2023. According to the CMA, Microsoft will dispense with acquiring cloud streaming rights to all current and future Activision games released during the next 15 years. Instead, these rights will be divested to independent Ubisoft Entertainment SA, which may supply Activision gaming content to all cloud gaming service providers. Also, Microsoft will have to provide game versions on operating systems other than Windows. The CMA aims to issue its decision on the proposed restructured acquisition by 18 October 2023.
Original sourceScope
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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2022-07-06
under deliberation
2022-07-06
in consultation
2022-07-20
processing consultation
2022-09-01
under investigation
2022-09-15
under deliberation
2022-10-14
in consultation
2022-10-28
processing consultation
2023-02-08
in consultation
2023-02-08
in consultation
2023-02-22
processing consultation
2023-03-01
processing consultation
2023-03-24
under investigation
2023-04-26
in force
2023-05-18
in consultation
2023-05-26
under appeal
2023-06-19
processing consultation
2023-07-14
under investigation
2023-07-21
in force
2023-07-31
in consultation
2023-08-04
processing consultation
2023-08-22
in consultation
2023-09-01
processing consultation
2023-09-22
in consultation
2023-10-06
processing consultation