United Kingdom: Closed consultation on undertakings to implement Microsoft’s new proposal of Activision Blizzard acquisition
Description
Closed consultation on undertakings to implement Microsoft’s new proposal of Activision Blizzard acquisition
On 6 October 2023, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) closed its consultation on proposed remedies to potential issues regarding Microsoft's new restructured deal. Under the proposed new deal, cloud streaming rights to all current and future Activision games released during the next 15 years would be divested to independent Ubisoft Entertainment SA instead of to Microsoft. The CMA voiced limited concerns that some provisions in the sale of cloud streaming rights could be circumvented, to which the parties have responded with a number of undertakings designed to ensure full implementation of the sale. The CMA consulted on the adequacy of the undertakings, as well as on whether the merger between Microsoft and Activision (excluding cloud streaming rights) should be permitted. A final decision will be made by 1 December 2023, with a possibility for an extension.
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