Microsoft Activision Deal May Close Without CMA & FTC

The Microsoft Activision Blizzard case had an interesting update yesterday with the realization that the case may close without the CMA or FTC approvals in hand. This comes way of MLEX who is saying that Microsoft and Activision are lawyering up to take on the CMA decision and figure out how to separate the companies in a way that allows them to close everywhere else in the world without the CMA or FTC approval. Meanwhile, the FTC chair Lina Khan faces a tough investigation about abuse of power.

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Previously: The CMA may have a conflict of interest in the form of a former Sony lawyer who resides on the panel. As the appeal of the block is about to head to trial, many have discussed the CMA Microsoft Activision Deal and how this could be an issue for the tribunal. In addition, we look at the arguments from Microsoft about the merger.

Previously:

The CMA reacted to the EU Approving the Microsoft Activision Deal and it would seem that they are sticking to their original findings in the case. The CMA has received a lot of criticism for its decision to block the Microsoft Activision deal over cloud gaming concerns, and that includes the EU. While the EU agreed about the cloud gaming concerns, they completely disagree about the remedies offered by Microsoft, going so far as to say that it will promote competition instead of harm it. In addition, the CMA response we also get to hear from Microsoft and Activision about their stance on the matter.

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[Rainbolt]

The CMA trying to issue a global order in territories where they have no authority to is indeed an incredibly critical error on their part.

[daniellobos]

Thanks Destin for keeping us updated. We appreciate your hard work.

[abdel]

Thnx to CMA we didn’t get Diablo IV Day-1 on Game Pass

[onemillionmiltonians]

Here's a thought: the CMA decision is being heavily influenced by Amazon's interests in the UK. Definitely puts the weird "cloud gaming" concerns in a different light to think that Amazon launched Luna in the UK one month before the CMA blocked the deal.

[gammagantle]

The most mature man on the platform talking about the acquisition

[TheBigTone]

Toxic PlayStation fanboys will be triggered af when this deal goes through

[archaen]

It's like we're pretending that the FTC isn't suing to block the deal entirely based on the totality of the marketplace, not just cloud gaming. It's not just the UK alone here. The USA is blocking it more than the UK is.

[akrkwood]

Destin, appreciate you staying on this case. I know most content creators and even your fellow Unlocked hosts are tired of talking about the MSFT/ABK deal. 👏🏻

[ryhanon]

They've pretty strongly signaled their willingness to close without the CMA and they have the position they need to put pressure on the CMA - so I see this as very likely to happen if the CMA doesn't cave.

The only thing that could stop this deal at this point would be the FTC somehow succeeding in blocking it - which I think is almost so unlikely it's barely worth considering at all.

[isturbo]

"It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission."

[byro]

This is why I always believed the deal was going through no matter what, MS would have liked things to go smoothly but they were willing to play "hardball" from the jump, something I think the CMA, FTC, and to a certain degree Sony sorely underestimated. Seems like these folks legit believed MS would say "screw it" and walk away because things got a little messy.

[barcster]

Yep lets just exit our 2 largest markets.

[MrSidkhan]

Wont be surprised they announce it in their showcase. All their games and this as a icing on top.

[TAKEAKILLPILL]

Nice to see the more regular uploads again.

[MarkVidal-dgkg]

"are they flirting?" Lol I was wondering too

[ErmineViolinist]

I like that you make a point to mention prioritizing your family. Too many people don’t.

[caderik]

Destin - you should not worry about making a daily video. I value your channel for important updates, I know there is always more gaming stuff to talk about but you don't need to compete with a million other channels.

[xbxfrk]

Only complete coping fanboys believe that they would close this without CMA let alone the FTC.

[williammclelland]

ACTIVISION doesn't need the UK as most of the ACTIVISION games are mostly sold in the US and EUROPE

[Razor_Regiment]

To think people still hopeful for this $500 paperweight.