UK CMA Backtracks Again, Speeds Toward Microsoft/Activision Blizzard Approval

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) backedtracked once more and stated that it could approve Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard more quickly than initially anticipated less than an hour after Microsoft's legal victory against the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Friday. This implies that Microsoft could now obtain the gaming firm with the CMA's endorsement inside half a month.

A CMA statement states, "The Inquiry Group aims to discharge its duty as soon as possible and in advance of [the original August 29 date]." Independently, the CMA said that a "itemized and complex accommodation" from Microsoft, which contains concessions pointed toward pacifying the administrative body, set off the overhauled plan.

Only the FTC and CMA decided to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for absurd reasons. However, since the FTC's legal challenges collapsed in the face of judicial review, the CMA has appeared perplexed and lost, making it the only regulatory holdout on the planet.

You are probably aware that Microsoft prevailed over the FTC on Tuesday, opening the way for the company to acquire Activision Blizzard. That day, the CMA said that it had consented to rethink its ruling against Microsoft, however it later backtracked a piece by guaranteeing that this would require an extended new examination.

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Microsoft's securing of Activision Snowstorm has been endorsed by antitrust controllers all over the planet, with just the FTC and CMA deciding to hinder the arrangement, both for absurd reasons. In any case, the CMA has appeared to be confounded and hapless since the FTC's lawful difficulties disintegrated notwithstanding legal audit, leaving it the one administrative holdout in the world.

As I'm certain you know, Microsoft crushed the FTC last Tuesday, making ready for its procurement of Activision Snowstorm. That day, the CMA said that it had consented to rework its ruling against Microsoft, however it later backtracked a piece by guaranteeing that this would require an extensive new examination.

Advertising, on the other hand, the CMA issued a statement stating that it could reevaluate its previous decision without a new investigation but would need to do so by August 29. However, the FTC appealed its U.S. verdict and filed an emergency motion to halt the transaction. However, a federal appeals court denied the FTC's motion one day later, resulting in another defeat for the FTC. Additionally, the UK regulators have recently reversed course: the CMA will give another choice at the earliest opportunity, doubtlessly inside half a month.

The previously agreed-upon deadline of July 18 will still be missed by this new decision. In any case, given the timing, obviously the two players will just stretch out their cutoff time to oblige the abruptly flexible CMA. Also, that Microsoft will report its procurement of Activision Snowstorm when the CMA issues its modified choice.