Competition Markets Authority
Phase 2
Administrative timetable
| Date of referral | 15 September 2022 |
| Statutory deadline | 26 April 2023 |
- (5.4.23)
Contact
Microsoft.Activision@cma.gov.uk
Microsoft / Activision Blizzard (ex-cloud streaming rights) merger inquiry
22 August 2023: Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have notified to the CMA an acquisition by which Microsoft will acquire Activision, excluding Activisions cloud streaming rights outside of the European Economic Area. The CMA is considering this as a separate merger investigation.
This case page will be updated as appropriate for any developments impacting the Final Order.
Final Order
22 August 2023: The CMA gives notice of the making of The Microsoft and Activision Merger Inquiry Order 2023. On the making of this Order the reference is finally determined.
- (22.8.23)
- (22.8.23)
- (22.8.23)
Final decision on change of circumstances/special reasons
- (22.8.23)
Consideration of possible material change of circumstances/special reasons
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(31.7.23)
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(31.7.23)
Notice of extension of statutory period to make an order
14 July 2023: The Inquiry Group has decided to extend by six weeks under section 41A(2) of the Act the period for the discharge of its duty under section 41(2) of the Act, as it considers that there are special reasons to do so. The revised period will therefore end on 29 August 2023.
- (14.7.23)
Notice of intention to make a final order
19 May 2023: The CMA gives notice of the intention to make a final order.
- (19.5.23)
- (19.5.23)
- (19.5.23)
Interim Order
5 May 2023: The CMA served an interim order under section 81 of the Enterprise Act 2002 on Microsoft Corporation, Activision Blizzard, Inc, and their interconnected bodies corporate.
- (11.5.23)
Final report
26 April 2023: The CMA has published its final report.
- (26.4.23)
- (26.4.23)
- (26.4.23)
- (26.4.23)
- Press release: Microsoft / Activision deal prevented to protect innovation and choice in cloud gaming (26.4.23)
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.
Responses to addendum provisional findings
- (6.4.23)
- (6.4.23)
- (6.4.23)
Addendum provisional findings
24 March 2023: The provisional findings addendum outlines the Groups revisions to the provisional SLC finding in the provisional findings report in relation to console gaming in the UK. The CMA has provisionally concluded that the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc. will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in relation to console gaming in the UK.
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(24.3.23)
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(24.3.23)