UK competition regulator blocks Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard

'Less innovation and choice'

Cristian Angeloni
clock • 3 min read

The Competition and Markets Authority has blocked Microsoft’s acquisition of video game giant Activision Blizzard.

The CMA cited concerns regarding the future of the fast-growing cloud gaming market, arguing the deal could lead to "reduced innovation and less choice for UK gamers over the years to come". The authority's review of the acquisition began in September 2022, nine months after the $69bn takeover was announced. In February 2023, the CMA provisionally found the merger between the two companies would stifle competition in the gaming market. Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway slashes TSMC stake by over 86% The CMA found Microsoft already accounts for an estimated 60-70% of global cloud gami...

To continue reading this article...

Join Investment Week for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, analysis and opinion from the investment industry, including the Sustainable Hub covering fund news from the ESG space
  • Get ahead of regulatory and technological changes affecting fund management
  • Important and breaking news stories selected by the editors delivered straight to your inbox each day
  • Weekly members-only newsletter with exclusive opinion pieces from leading industry experts
  • Be the first to hear about our extensive events schedule and awards programmes

Join now

 

Already an Investment Week
member?

Login

More on Companies

In 2021 and 2022, Hargreaves earned £50m in each year on client cash, and the analysts estimated the income will grow to around £270m for the 2024 financial year.

Jefferies retains 'Buy' rating for Hargreaves Lansdown

No ‘double dipping’ impact

Cristian Angeloni
clock 10 January 2024 • 2 min read
People close to BlackRock told Fox Business that savings from the layoffs will be used to expand into growth businesses such as technology investing and alternative investment products.

BlackRock plans to cut 3% of global workforce - reports

Entering a more ‘mature’ business phase

Valeria Martinez
clock 09 January 2024 • 1 min read
Jupiter CEO Matthew Beesley

Jupiter suffers higher than anticipated outflows of £2.2bn

Weaker than anticipated retail sentiment

Cristian Angeloni
clock 09 January 2024 • 2 min read
Trustpilot