Microsoft’s Bid for Activision-Blizzard: Antitrust Watchdog Calls for Public Input

The UK’s antitrust watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has reopened its consultation on Microsoft’s bid for Activision-Blizzard, giving renewed hope for the deal’s approval. The CMA had initially blocked the $69bn merger in April, citing concerns about unfair competition in cloud gaming and potential limitations on consumer choice.

Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, expressed disappointment with the decision and vowed to appeal. However, the CMA’s stance became increasingly isolated as other regulators, including the European Commission and the US Federal Trade Commission, showed support for the acquisition.

In response to Microsoft’s request for reconsideration, the CMA has agreed to seek further input from the public and businesses. Interested parties have been invited to submit their comments by the upcoming Friday.

“Submissions of this nature are possible but very rare,” said a CMA spokesperson. “We will carefully consider Microsoft’s submissions, along with other responses, before the statutory deadline on August 29th.”