Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Bid Faces UK Antitrust Probe
2 years, 5 months ago

Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Bid Faces UK Antitrust Probe

News 18  

LONDON: Microsoft's acquisition of game publisher Activision Blizzard faces antitrust scrutiny in the U.K., where competition regulators said Wednesday they've opened an initial inquiry into the $69 billion deal. The U.S. tech giant announced in January that it was buying Activision Blizzard in a deal that would make it a bigger video game company than Nintendo but raised questions about its anti-competitive effects. Microsoft makes the Xbox gaming system while Activision has created or acquired popular video games including Guitar Hero and the World of Warcraft franchise. The watchdog cleared Microsoft's $16 billion deal to buy speech recognition company Nuance but blocked Facebook's acquisition of the GIF-sharing platform Giphy and ordered the deal unwound, saying it hurt social media users and advertisers by stifling competition for animated images.

Microsoft Deal Competition Regulators  watchdog  microsofts  competition  regulators  company  acquisition  bid  activision  antitrust  video  uk  faces  probe  deal  blizzard

History of this topic

FTC opens wide-ranging antitrust probe into Microsoft
4 weeks ago

FTC opens wide-ranging antitrust probe into Microsoft

CNN  

New York CNN — Microsoft is set to go under the microscope of the nation’s top antitrust watchdog, the Federal Trade Commission, which is launching a sweeping investigation into the tech giant’s practices. The FTC, in a letter sent to Microsoft, demanded that it hand over information to assist in the agency’s investigation, a source familiar with the matter told …

‘Call of Duty’ champions file $680-million antitrust lawsuit against Activision Blizzard
10 months, 1 week ago

‘Call of Duty’ champions file $680-million antitrust lawsuit against Activision Blizzard

LA Times  

The popular video game “Call of Duty” is at the center of a lawsuit against Santa Monica gaming giant Activision Blizzard. Two prominent “Call of Duty” champions have filed an antitrust lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, accusing the Santa Monica gaming giant of wielding an “unlawful monopoly” over leagues and tournaments, at gamers’ expense. “Absent its unlawful monopoly, Activision could never …

Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in its gaming division following Activision Blizzard buyout
10 months, 4 weeks ago

Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in its gaming division following Activision Blizzard buyout

The Hindu  

Microsoft is laying off about 1,900 employees in its gaming division, according to an internal company memo, just over three months since the tech giant completed its $69 billion purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard. “As we move forward in 2024, the leadership of Microsoft Gaming and Activision Blizzard is committed to aligning on a strategy and an execution …

Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in its gaming division following Activision Blizzard buyout
11 months ago

Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees in its gaming division following Activision Blizzard buyout

LA Times  

Microsoft is laying off about 1,900 employees in its gaming division, according to an internal company memo obtained by the Associated Press on Thursday. Microsoft is laying off about 1,900 employees in its gaming division, according to an internal company memo, just over three months since the tech giant completed its $69-billion purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard. “As …

U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft/Activision deal
1 year, 2 months ago

U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft/Activision deal

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Friday it remained focused on its appeal opposing Xbox maker Microsoft's now-closed $69 billion deal to buy Activision but would "assess" the company's agreement with Ubisoft. The companies closed their transaction on Friday after winning approval from Britain on condition that they sell the streaming rights to Activision's games to Ubisoft Entertainment to …

Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard marks a pivotal moment for Xbox CEO Phil Spencer
1 year, 2 months ago

Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard marks a pivotal moment for Xbox CEO Phil Spencer

The Hindu  

After two years co-piloting the biggest acquisition in video game history past an onslaught of challenges, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer now moves on to his next quest: making Microsoft's takeover of Activision Blizzard worth the hassle. “All he’s been doing is preparing for today where he actually gets to integrate the business.” And it marks the end of an era …

Microsoft spent two years trying to buy Activision Blizzard. For Xbox CEO, that was the easy part
1 year, 2 months ago

Microsoft spent two years trying to buy Activision Blizzard. For Xbox CEO, that was the easy part

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy After two years co-piloting …

Microsoft spent two years trying to buy Activision Blizzard. For Xbox CEO, that was the easy part
1 year, 2 months ago

Microsoft spent two years trying to buy Activision Blizzard. For Xbox CEO, that was the easy part

Associated Press  

After two years co-piloting the biggest acquisition in video game history past an onslaught of challenges, Xbox CEO Phil Spencer now moves on to his next quest: making Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard worth the hassle. When the companies announced a planned merger in January 2022, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made clear it would be “critical for Activision Blizzard to …

What does the Microsoft deal to buy Activision mean for gamers?
1 year, 2 months ago

What does the Microsoft deal to buy Activision mean for gamers?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Microsoft’s multibillion-dollar deal to buy …

Biggest deal in gaming history: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard for $69 billion
1 year, 2 months ago

Biggest deal in gaming history: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard for $69 billion

Hindustan Times  

Xbox maker Microsoft closed its $69 billion deal for Activision Blizzard on Friday, swelling its heft in the video-gaming market with best-selling titles including "Call of Duty" to better compete with industry leader Sony. "The new deal will stop Microsoft from locking up competition in cloud gaming as this market takes off, preserving competitive prices and services for UK cloud …

The $69 billion Microsoft-Activision deal finally complete after UK regulator’s nod
1 year, 2 months ago

The $69 billion Microsoft-Activision deal finally complete after UK regulator’s nod

Live Mint  

The British Competition and Markets Authority cleared Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard on Friday – the final regulatory hurdle before the biggest ever gaming deal. “We have now crossed the final regulatory hurdle to close this acquisition, which we believe will benefit players and the gaming industry worldwide,” Microsoft vice chair and president Brad Smith said in a …

Microsoft’s bid for Activision gets UK approval, removes last hurdle to gaming deal
1 year, 2 months ago

Microsoft’s bid for Activision gets UK approval, removes last hurdle to gaming deal

The Hindu  

Microsoft’s purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard won final approval Friday from Britain’s competition watchdog, reversing its earlier decision to block the $69 billion deal and removing a last obstacle for one of the largest tech transactions in history. The Competition and Markets Authority's blessing was expected after it gave preliminary approval last month to a revamped Microsoft proposal …

Microsoft closes deal to buy Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard after antitrust fights
1 year, 2 months ago

Microsoft closes deal to buy Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard after antitrust fights

Associated Press  

Microsoft completed its purchase of video game-maker Activision Blizzard for $69 billion on Friday, closing one of the most expensive tech acquisitions in history that could have repercussions across the video game industry. He shared a video celebrating the merger, featuring scenes from games to the tune of “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’” from the Broadway musical “Oklahoma!” The blessing …

What the Microsoft Activision deal means for labor unions
1 year, 2 months ago

What the Microsoft Activision deal means for labor unions

LA Times  

A labor neutrality agreement between the Communications Workers of America and Microsoft kicks in at Activision Blizzard 60 days after the acquisition closes. Microsoft’s $69-billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard could provide the growing labor movement among video game workers a boost because of a labor neutrality agreement the company entered last year. CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. called the acquisition, …

Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard in $69-billion gaming deal
1 year, 2 months ago

Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard in $69-billion gaming deal

LA Times  

Microsoft announced plans to buy Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in 2022 and closed the deal Friday. Microsoft acquired gaming giant Activision Blizzard on Friday, closing the biggest deal in video game history after more than a year of close scrutiny from antitrust officials around the world. Microsoft President Brad Smith said in a statement the combination “will benefit players …

Microsoft’s revamped $69 billion deal for Activision is on the cusp of going through
1 year, 3 months ago

Microsoft’s revamped $69 billion deal for Activision is on the cusp of going through

Associated Press  

LONDON — British competition regulators gave preliminary approval Friday to Microsoft’s restructured $69 billion deal to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard, easing a final global hurdle that paves the way for one of the largest tech transactions in history to go through. The Competition and Markets Authority said the revamped proposal “substantially addresses previous concerns” about stifling competition in …

Competition watchdog gives provisional approval for Microsoft to buy Activision
1 year, 3 months ago

Competition watchdog gives provisional approval for Microsoft to buy Activision

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But by selling the cloud gaming rights for titles …

U.K. regulator signals approval for Microsoft to buy Activision Blizzard
1 year, 3 months ago

U.K. regulator signals approval for Microsoft to buy Activision Blizzard

LA Times  

Microsoft is seeking to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion to gain access to blockbuster games including “Call of Duty” and “Candy Crush.” Microsoft’s restructured acquisition of Santa Monica video game giant Activision Blizzard “opens the door” to the deal being cleared, U.K. regulators said Friday, removing a major hurdle for closing what would be the gaming industry’s largest merger. …

Microsoft edits Activision Blizzard deal for the UK; Big Tech giants in Europe brace for Digital Services Act; FTC will probe Qualcomm’s chipmaker acquisition - The Hindu
1 year, 4 months ago

Microsoft edits Activision Blizzard deal for the UK; Big Tech giants in Europe brace for Digital Services Act; FTC will probe Qualcomm’s chipmaker acquisition - The Hindu

The Hindu  

Microsoft edits Activision Blizzard deal for the UK Microsoft is amending its Activision Blizzard takeover deal to get the UK antitrust regulator’s seal of approval. Microsoft President Brad Smith said that a deal had been struck with Ubisoft to sell cloud streaming rights for Activision games for more than a decade. Big Tech giants in Europe brace for Digital Services …

Microsoft revamps deal for video game maker Activision Blizzard to meet UK demands
1 year, 4 months ago

Microsoft revamps deal for video game maker Activision Blizzard to meet UK demands

The Hindu  

Microsoft revamped its bid to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard on Tuesday to appease British competition regulators, who are the last major hurdle to closing one of the biggest deals in tech history. Xbox maker Microsoft has been on a quest to acquire Activision, maker of the popular Call of Duty game franchise since announcing the $69 billion deal …

Microsoft budges on video game streaming rights in push for UK to approve Activision Blizzard deal
1 year, 4 months ago

Microsoft budges on video game streaming rights in push for UK to approve Activision Blizzard deal

Associated Press  

LONDON — British competition regulators opened a new investigation Tuesday into Microsoft’s revamped bid to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard, representing the last major hurdle to closing one of the biggest deals in tech history. Under the restructured deal, Microsoft will sell cloud streaming rights outside of the European Economic Area for all current and new Activision games released …

Britain hands Microsoft’s Activision deal an extra life
1 year, 5 months ago

Britain hands Microsoft’s Activision deal an extra life

Hindustan Times  

Merging companies have long seen Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority as something of an end-of-level boss. For two years running the CMA has blocked more deals than any other regulator, scotching ones like Meta’s acquisition of Giphy, a blameless meme-generator. This year it has been busy again, in April blocking Microsoft’s $69bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a video-game maker, which …

Microsoft-Activision deal back in hands of UK regulator after court pauses appeal
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft-Activision deal back in hands of UK regulator after court pauses appeal

The Hindu  

Microsoft's Activision Blizzard deal is back in the hands of Britain's antitrust regulator after an appeals court granted an adjournment, and the grounds for why the UK should reconsider its block on the U.S. software giant's takeover were published. The Competition and Markets Authority set out on Friday Microsoft's arguments for the reconsideration, as the U.S. battles to win UK …

Microsoft and UK regulators win more time to resolve blocked $69 billion Activision deal
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft and UK regulators win more time to resolve blocked $69 billion Activision deal

Associated Press  

LONDON — Microsoft and British regulators won more time from a court Monday as the U.S. tech company uses a rare second chance to overcome opposition to its $69 billion bid for video game maker Activision Blizzard. The regulator later pushed back its final decision so it can consider Microsoft’s argument that new developments mean its blockbuster purchase of the …

Microsoft moves closer to completing $69 billion Activision takeover after court rebuffs regulators
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft moves closer to completing $69 billion Activision takeover after court rebuffs regulators

The Hindu  

A U.S. appeals court on Friday rejected a bid by federal regulators to block Microsoft from closing its $68.7 billion deal to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard, paving the way for the completion of the biggest acquisition in tech history after a legal battle over whether it will undermine competition. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley's earlier ruling, published …

Microsoft moves closer to completing $69 billion Activision takeover after court rebuffs regulators
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft moves closer to completing $69 billion Activision takeover after court rebuffs regulators

Associated Press  

A U.S. appeals court on Friday rejected a bid by federal regulators to block Microsoft from closing its $68.7 billion deal to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard, paving the way for the completion of the biggest acquisition in tech history after a legal battle over whether it will undermine competition. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley’s earlier ruling, published …

Microsoft gets more time from UK to plead case to buy video game maker Activision
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft gets more time from UK to plead case to buy video game maker Activision

Associated Press  

LONDON — British antitrust regulators on Friday extended their deadline to issue a final order blocking Microsoft’s $69 billion plan to buy video game maker Activision Blizzard, allowing them to consider the U.S. tech giant’s “detailed and complex submission” pleading its case. The Competition and Markets Authority had rejected the deal — the biggest in tech history — over fears …

U.S. FTC asks court to temporarily halt Microsoft's acquisition of Activision
1 year, 5 months ago

U.S. FTC asks court to temporarily halt Microsoft's acquisition of Activision

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission asked a federal court on Thursday for a stay that would prevent Microsoft from closing its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard. Any outstanding regulatory hurdle makes it more likely the agreement between Microsoft and Activision will expire on July 18 without the deal having been completed. In its motion for …

FTC appeals judge’s ruling that would allow Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard takeover
1 year, 5 months ago

FTC appeals judge’s ruling that would allow Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard takeover

Associated Press  

The Federal Trade Commission says it is appealing a judge’s ruling that would have allowed Microsoft to close its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard. Antitrust enforcers at the FTC have been trying to stop Microsoft’s $68.7 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, maker of popular game franchises like Call of Duty, arguing it will harm competition in the …

Microsoft can move ahead with record $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, judge rules
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft can move ahead with record $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, judge rules

The Hindu  

A federal judge has handed Microsoft a major victory by declining to block its looming $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. The Federal Trade Commission, which enforces antitrust laws, “has not raised serious questions regarding whether the proposed merger is likely to substantially lessen competition” between video game consoles or in the growing markets for monthly game …

Microsoft can move ahead with record $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, judge rules
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft can move ahead with record $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, judge rules

Associated Press  

A federal judge has handed Microsoft a major victory by declining to block its looming $69 billion takeover of video game company Activision Blizzard. The proceeding showcased testimony by Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella and longtime Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who both pledged to keep Activision’s blockbuster game Call of Duty available to people who play it on …

Microsoft wins U.S. court nod to buy Activision in loss for FTC
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft wins U.S. court nod to buy Activision in loss for FTC

LA Times  

Microsoft Corp. changed the course of its $69-billion bid for Activision Blizzard Inc. in minutes Tuesday, winning an unprecedented reconsideration from a British regulator that had blocked the largest gaming deal ever, less than an hour after securing a green light from a U.S. judge. The CMA announcement came after Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco ruled that the …

Microsoft acquiring Activision will be good for gaming and everyone, Satya Nadella tells US court
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft acquiring Activision will be good for gaming and everyone, Satya Nadella tells US court

Firstpost  

Microsoft’s Satya Nadella testified before a US court over FCC’s opposition of the Microsoft-Activision acquisition. Microsoft and Activision maintain that the acquisition will be a major win for gamers, and won’t hamper other console makers like Sony During his testimony on Wednesday in a San Francisco federal court, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed his belief that the proposed acquisition of …

Today’s Cache | Google sets aside Project Iris; Twitter tries drawing back advertisers; Microsoft CEO defends Activision Blizzard takeover
1 year, 5 months ago

Today’s Cache | Google sets aside Project Iris; Twitter tries drawing back advertisers; Microsoft CEO defends Activision Blizzard takeover

The Hindu  

Google sets aside Project Iris Google has set aside work on its augmented reality glasses under Project Iris, said the Insider outlet. Twitter tries drawing back advertisers Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino is developing strategies such as bringing in more employees, working with celebrities, and introducing video ads to different offerings on the platform in order to bring back advertisers who …

US Judge asks Microsoft CEO if he plays Activision mobile game Candy Crush? Satya Nadella says…
1 year, 5 months ago

US Judge asks Microsoft CEO if he plays Activision mobile game Candy Crush? Satya Nadella says…

Hindustan Times  

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told a judge Wednesday that his company's proposed $69 billion takeover of video game-maker Activision Blizzard will be good for the gaming industry, remarks that came as he defended the deal against an attempt by federal regulators to block it. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley interjected to ask if Nadella plays Activision's best-known mobile game, …

Microsoft attempts to pick apart U.S. legal argument against deal to buy Activision
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft attempts to pick apart U.S. legal argument against deal to buy Activision

The Hindu  

Arguing for the government on Tuesday in its legal fight against Microsoft's $69 billion deal to buy game maker Activision Blizzard, Harvard economist Robin Lee struggled at times to plainly demonstrate how the planned deal would hurt gamers. Lee was pressed by an attorney for Microsoft over the details of his analyses of potential market share gains for the Redmond, …

Microsoft CEO Nadella tells a judge his planned Activision takeover is good for gaming
1 year, 5 months ago

Microsoft CEO Nadella tells a judge his planned Activision takeover is good for gaming

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told a judge Wednesday that his company’s proposed $69 billion takeover of video game-maker Activision Blizzard will be good for the gaming industry, remarks that came as he defended the deal against an attempt by federal regulators to block it. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also testified Wednesday, asserting that there’s no business incentive …

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard faces FTC opposition in to stop competition
1 year, 6 months ago

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard faces FTC opposition in to stop competition

Live Mint  

The Federal Trade Commission has requested a temporary halt to Microsoft's acquisition of videogame company Activision Blizzard, as argued in federal court on Thursday. According to the FTC, if the merger proceeds, it would grant Microsoft's Xbox videogame console sole access to Activision games, disadvantaging Nintendo consoles and Sony Group Corp's PlayStation. "I think you will see that every piece …

FTC to argue Microsoft's deal to buy Activision should be paused
1 year, 6 months ago

FTC to argue Microsoft's deal to buy Activision should be paused

The Hindu  

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday will argue in federal court for a preliminary injunction to temporarily block Microsoft's acquisition of videogame maker Activision Blizzard, stopping the deal from closing before the government's case against the deal is heard. In a scheduled five-day hearing before a federal judge in San Francisco, the antitrust enforcer will argue it needs Microsoft …

Microsoft, regulators tangle in court over fate of $69 billion deal that could reshape video gaming
1 year, 6 months ago

Microsoft, regulators tangle in court over fate of $69 billion deal that could reshape video gaming

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Federal regulators on Thursday launched a legal attack on Microsoft’s proposed $69 billion takeover of video game maker Activision Blizzard by depicting it as an anticompetitive weapon while Microsoft hailed the deal as a way to make popular games such as Call of Duty more widely available at cheaper prices. “Having differentiated content is critical to selling …

US Judge Temporarily Blocks Microsoft Acquisition Of Activision: All Details
1 year, 6 months ago

US Judge Temporarily Blocks Microsoft Acquisition Of Activision: All Details

News 18  

A U.S. judge late on Tuesday granted the Federal Trade Commission’s request to temporarily block Microsoft Corp’s acquisition of video game maker Activision Blizzard and set a hearing next week. Davila said the temporary restraining order issued on Tuesday "is necessary to maintain the status quo while the complaint is pending preserve this court’s ability to order effective relief in …

US Regulator Asks Judge to Stop Microsoft's USD 69 Billion Activision Deal
1 year, 6 months ago

US Regulator Asks Judge to Stop Microsoft's USD 69 Billion Activision Deal

News 18  

The US Federal Trade Commission asked a federal court on Monday to block Microsoft from completing its $69 billion buyout of gaming giant Activision Blizzard, a court filing showed. “A preliminary injunction is necessary to… prevent interim harm” while the FTC determines whether “the proposed acquisition violates US antitrust law,” the regulator said in the filing. Xbox-owner Microsoft launched a …

FTC sues to block Microsoft’s takeover of video game maker Activision Blizzard
1 year, 6 months ago

FTC sues to block Microsoft’s takeover of video game maker Activision Blizzard

Associated Press  

The Federal Trade Commission has sued to block Microsoft from completing its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard, the latest antitrust challenge to the proposed merger but one that could hasten a conclusion to the drawn-out dispute. “Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have represented in the past that they cannot close their deal due to antitrust reviews of the …

Microsoft sets out grounds for Activision appeal against UK regulator
1 year, 6 months ago

Microsoft sets out grounds for Activision appeal against UK regulator

The Hindu  

Microsoft is challenging Britain's decision to block its $69 billion takeover of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard on the grounds of "fundamental errors" in the assessment of Microsoft's cloud gaming services. It said the CMA's conclusion that the deal would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the United Kingdom's cloud gaming market was wrong, according to the …

Today’s Cache | Meta’s third batch of layoffs begins; Microsoft appeals UK block on Activision Blizzard deal; UK works with AI firms for social benefits
1 year, 6 months ago

Today’s Cache | Meta’s third batch of layoffs begins; Microsoft appeals UK block on Activision Blizzard deal; UK works with AI firms for social benefits

The Hindu  

Meta’s third batch of layoffs begins Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp-parent Meta has started its third and likely last batch of major layoffs, this time reducing headcount across the company’s business departments, according to a source. Microsoft appeals UK block on Activision Blizzard deal Microsoft has confirmed that it filed an appeal against the British regulator’s decision to block its proposed …

Microsoft appeals against UK block on Activision Blizzard deal
1 year, 7 months ago

Microsoft appeals against UK block on Activision Blizzard deal

The Hindu  

Microsoft filed an appeal on Wednesday of Britain's decision to block its $69 billion takeover of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard, a company spokesperson said. The CMA's shock decision to block the biggest ever deal in gaming drew a furious response from both companies, with Microsoft saying it had shaken confidence in Britain as a destination for tech businesses. …

Microsoft defeats gamers' bid to block $69 billion Activision deal in U.S. court
1 year, 7 months ago

Microsoft defeats gamers' bid to block $69 billion Activision deal in U.S. court

The Hindu  

Microsoft Corp. evaded a potential early legal obstacle in its $69 billion deal to acquire "Call of Duty" videogame maker Activision Blizzard Inc., when a U.S. judge on Friday refused to allow gamers in a private suit to preliminarily block the acquisition. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco federal court said in a ruling issued late on …

Microsoft says China approves its plan to buy video game-maker Activision Blizzard
1 year, 7 months ago

Microsoft says China approves its plan to buy video game-maker Activision Blizzard

Associated Press  

Microsoft said Friday that China has unconditionally approved its plan to buy video game company Activision Blizzard, even as the deal still faces antitrust opposition in the U.S. and United Kingdom. China’s approval is complicated by the fact that Activision Blizzard stopped offering many of its games in mainland China earlier this year because of a dispute with its local …

Microsoft’s bid to buy Activision Blizzard clears a key hurdle. But the $69B deal is still at risk
1 year, 7 months ago

Microsoft’s bid to buy Activision Blizzard clears a key hurdle. But the $69B deal is still at risk

Associated Press  

LONDON — The European Union on Monday approved Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of video game maker Activision Blizzard, deciding the deal won’t stifle competition for popular console titles like Call of Duty and accepting the U.S. tech company’s remedies to boost competition in cloud gaming. The acquisition, sweetened by Microsoft’s promises to automatically license Activision games to cloud gaming platforms, …

EU backs Microsoft buying Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard. But the $69B deal is still at risk
1 year, 7 months ago

EU backs Microsoft buying Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard. But the $69B deal is still at risk

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The European Union on Monday …

Discover Related