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Microsoft / Activision Blizzard merger inquiry

Competition Markets Authority

February 8
12:02 2023

Case updates will be added to this page.

Information about how a phase 2 merger works, as well as what were investigating in this case can be found on our page: The CMA investigation into the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger

Phase 2

Administrative timetable

Date of referral 15 September 2022
Statutory deadline 26 April 2023

Contact

MS.Activision-PFsresponses@cma.gov.uk

Provisional findings

8 February 2023: The CMA has provisionally found competition concerns as part of its in-depth investigation of the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc. The full provisional findings and appendices will be published shortly.

Notice of extension of statutory period

Responses to the issues statement

Evidence

The publication of the evidence of any party on the CMAs webpages does not indicate in any way endorsement by the CMA of the views expressed in the evidence or acceptance of that evidence. Publication in this way is designed to assist public understanding of the issues.

Issues statement

14 October 2022: The issues statement sets out the scope of the inquiry. It outlines initial theories on what might be adversely affecting competition, but it does not set out findings or conclusions.

Inquiry group appointed

15 September 2022: The CMA has appointed the inquiry group:

Martin Coleman (Chair), John Thanassoulis, Humphrey Battcock and Ashleye Gunn.

Terms of reference

15 September 2022: The CMA has referred the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc. for an in-depth investigation.

Phase 1

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 date Action
1 September 2022 Decision announced
6 July 2022 to 20 July 2022 Invitation to comment
6 July 2022 Launch of merger inquiry

Response to phase 1 decision

Reference decision

15 September 2022: The CMA has referred the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc. for an in-depth investigation, on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this Merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.

Reference unless undertakings accepted

1 September 2022: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this Merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This Merger will be referred for an in-depth investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns.

Launch of merger inquiry

6 July 2022: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

Invitation to comment: closed

6 July 2022: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise

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