In a surprise turn of events, the European Union’s competition regulators have approved the Microsoft-Activision deal. Previous reports indicated that the deal was set to be approved by European regulators. So, the approval falls in line with previous reporting.
The EU Approves the Microsoft Activision Blizzard King Acquisition
The Competition Department of the European Union has just approved the proposed Microsoft acquisition of Activision Blizzard King (ABK). This is the latest development in the long-winded acquisition saga. Bloomberg has also independently confirmed in their own reporting that the deal was set to be approved ahead of time.
This means that the deal will benefit Microsoft in its case to appeal to both the UK’s Competition Markets Authority and the US’s Federal Trade Commission.
Last month, the CMA ruled in favor of rejecting the deal. Despite calls from the public that the deal wouldn’t impact competition, the UK regulatory body blocked the acquisition on the grounds that it would hinder the nascent cloud gaming market.
Perhaps the EU wanted to differentiate its position towards the UK, which is still reeling from the negative implications brought upon by the Brexit referendum.
How do you feel about the EU decision on the Microsoft Activision acquisition? Do you think it will improve competition in the video game industry? Or is the industry consolidating too quickly? Sound off in the comment section below.
Be sure to check back to Lords of Gaming on any development about the proposed Microsoft acquisition of ABK.
