According to a report by market analysis firm MLex, Microsoft is looking to somehow complete its $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, despite all the UK’s obstacles. It is stated that Microsoft is exploring legal options to close the deal if the CMA’s decision does not change as a result of the appeal.Microsoft can crush the UK
As it will be remembered, the British Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the agreement at the end of April in order to prevent competition problems in the cloud gaming market. Microsoft has filed an appeal with the Competition Court of Appeal (CAT), but even if the appeal is successful, the ball will still go back to the CMA.
Since success is far from guaranteed, it makes sense for Microsoft to look for other ways to close the deal. According to the statements, Microsoft is exploring such options through its lawyers. The move that stands out among the options includes the withdrawal of Activision from the UK. As a result of the withdrawal, it is necessary to agree with a third-party distributor for the sale of the games. The lawyers are also considering challenging the CMA’s eventual veto in court, arguing that the UK regulator should not be allowed to impose a global ban simply to protect the interests of UK clients.What is clear is that Microsoft seems willing to play hard to get Activision Blizzard. Acquisition of Activision Blizzard will give a big boost to the company’s plans, especially for its Game Pass subscription service. On the other hand, the purchase has already been approved by 39 countries: China, Japan, South Korea, Chile, South Africa, Brazil, Ukraine, Serbia and the entire European Economic Area. The next countries to share its decision on merger are expected to be Australia, New Zealand and Canada. On the US side, the process seems to become clear in August.
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