Activision Blizzard's withdrawal from the UK market an option?

2023-06-03 19:41:21

A Bloomber report has revealed that Microsoft may consider withdrawing Activision Blizzard from the UK market in order to avoid the UK’s CMA blocking of the planned $69 billion takeover.

private conversations

According to the report, Microsoft President Brad Smith will meet with British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt next week. According to a company spokesman, Smith will present in London on the potential of AI and the need for thoughtful regulation, and will “have private discussions on topics such as the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard as we continue to seek creative and constructive paths.” to address remaining regulatory concerns”.

Extreme options

It also said Smith will meet with Microsoft’s legal representatives this week to discuss the company’s strategy to counter the CMA decision, including “extreme” options such as Activision withdrawing from the UK market or bypassing the UK arranging and moving the deal forward.

Should the CMA stick to its decision, one can currently only speculate as to what Microsoft’s future approach to the British market, which is important for Xbox, will ultimately look like.