Japan: Closed consultation on investigation into Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard

On 15 July 2022, the period to hand in comments and information to the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) as part of its ongoing investigation into Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, closed. 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 hand in information and comments regarding the possible impacts of the merger on competition. According to the JFTC, the opening of the investigation does not yet necessarily mean the proposed acquisition represents a violation of the Antimonopoly Act.