A communication from the British authorities was expected for the beginning of the year, but the CMA has decided to take the lead and announces that it is extending the deadline for its in-depth investigation into the takeover of Activision Blizzard King by Microsoft.
The conclusions of the final investigation may take place in April
If you checked our calendar of upcoming events regarding the takeover, you could see that the CMA had until March 1, 2023 to deliver its verdict. It is this date that has now been postponed to April 26, 2023. The article has therefore been updated accordingly.
Concretely, this means that the British antitrust organization will be able to issue its final verdict later, but nothing prevents it from communicating it before April, however. As pointed out GameIndustrythe investigation group “aims to complete the investigation as soon as possible and before that date”.
The CMA said the extension was granted due to the scope and complexity of the investigation, as well as the need to consider the “large volume of evidence, as well as submissions from the main parties and third parties. » Details weren’t released, but it’s a safe bet that Microsoft largely defended the takeover point-by-point, as it did last October.
The Investigative Group spent much of December holding hearings with key stakeholders and seeking submissions and responses from other parties. This procedure will continue at the beginning of January.
In mid-February, the CMA will notify affected parties of the interim findings and any remedial action, if required, and additional hearings will take place in mid-March.
Last December, the CMA said it had received more than 2,000 responses from the public who voted instead in favor of the 75% buyout. The CMA continues to examine the file and the various arguments of the stakeholders, including those of Sony who wishes that the takeover cannot be done.
Yesterday, we learned through a Microsoft lawyer that the company would validate the takeover of Activision Blizzard even if the FTC (USA) is against it, on the condition that the CMA and the EU validate. The stakes are therefore considerable for Microsoft on European territory today.
