UK watchdog to further probe Microsoft’s US$68.7b Activision deal

BRITAIN’S competition regulator said Microsoft’s acquisition of Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard it will refer the US$68.7 billion deal for an in-depth investigation.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the merger may substantially reduce competition in gaming consoles, multi-game subscription services and cloud gaming services.

“Merger will be referred for an in-depth investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns,” the CMA said.

The 2 companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Microsoft and Activision have until Sep 8 to offer an undertaking, the CMA said.

Microsoft had previously said a thorough review would boost confidence in the closure of a deal that would be positive for competition.

The company, which makes the Xbox video games console, announced the deal in January, saying gaming was the “most dynamic and exciting category in entertainment”.

The deal will add franchises such as Overwatch, Candy Crush and World of Warcraft to its gaming business and make it a more powerful competitor to Sony and Nintendo. REUTERS