EU Antitrust warns Microsoft over Activision deal

EU Antitrust warns Microsoft over Activision deal

The European Commission (in short EU) is expected to issue an antitrust warning to Microsoft about its Activision Blizzard purchase. Currently its is reported that the EU is in the process of preparing a 'statement of objections' and will share it with Microsoft in the coming weeks.

Microsoft's $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard has come under the supervision by several governing bodies which includes United States Federal Trade Commission (in short FTC), the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority (in short CMA) and the European Union's European Commission. It is apprehended that Microsoft may receive a list of concerns about its deal.

The European Commission will share a charge sheet also known as a statement of objections with Microsoft that outlines what the governing body believes are issues with the purchase. A deadline of 11 April, 2023 has been set by the EU antitrust watchdog to reach a decision about Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard. It is generally believed that the EU's decision will affect how the FTC moves forward about the same deal.

"We're continuing to work with the European Commission to address any marketplace concerns. Our goal is to bring more games to more people, and this deal will further that goal," as reported by Microsoft.

Microsoft is expected to present several concessionaries 'remedies' to the EU and CMA. A ten-year commitment was entered by the company to bring 'Call of Duty' to Nintendo Switch and Steam, which was likely made to control regulators. Microsoft President- Brad Smith offered to make a parallel agreement with Sony as well to have the popular gaming franchise remain available on PlayStation.