England’s competition watchdog has opened an investigation into Microsoft’s (MSFT) $68.7
billion U.S. acquisition of video game maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI).
The British regulator is one of the first to probe the deal, which was announced in January of
this year.
The acquisition is likely to alter the $190 billion U.S. video game industry, handing control of
popular franchises such as “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft” to Microsoft, which remains
one of the world’s biggest and most influential technology companies.
In a news release, England’s Competition and Markets Authority said its investigation will
“consider whether the deal could harm competition and lead to worse outcomes for consumers.”
The regulator has set a September 1 deadline for its initial decision on the proposed acquisition.
Interested third parties have until July 20 to make a submission concerning the takeover.
Microsoft’s stock is down 22% this year at $262.85 U.S. a share. Activision Blizzard’s stock is
up 17% year to date at $78.87 U.S. per share.
