The European Union is preparing to launch a full-scale deal as Microsoft has not proposed any remedies to EU antitrust regulators to help review its $69 billion acquisition of game developer Activision Blizzard, according to people familiar with the matter. investigation.
As planned, Microsoft has until midnight on October 31 to submit a pledge to quell concerns from EU antitrust regulators. Meanwhile, the European Commission will have until November 8 to complete an initial assessment of the deal and whether to launch a so-called “phase two” in-depth investigation.
The European Commission has said that its website will be updated soon, and Microsoft has yet to offer any concessions. The European Commission has previously been asking Microsoft’s rival about the company’s activities in cloud gaming and services, and the risk that the company could revoke access to Activision Blizzard’s popular game Call of Duty.
A Microsoft spokesman said the company will continue to cooperate with the European Commission’s next steps and address any legitimate market concerns, such as Sony’s demands. It is reported that Microsoft is betting heavily on the acquisition to help it better compete with Tencent and Sony.
“As an industry leader, Sony has expressed concerns about the future of Call of Duty,” Microsoft said in a statement. “But we’ve made a commitment that we’re committed to supporting the game on both Xbox and PlayStation.”
Typically, a full-scale investigation by the European Commission lasts four months. When companies learn that regulators are preparing for similar action, they often do not offer remedies during the initial review.
In mid-September, Britain’s competition watchdog deepened its investigation into Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard over the failure of the two companies to resolve the merger.
The United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea are also reviewing the deal. Brazil unconditionally approved the deal, following Saudi Arabia’s earlier approval.
