UK Watchdog Seeks Further Input on Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Acquisition

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has initiated a call for additional feedback regarding Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This unusual step follows Microsoft's submission of a 34-page document outlining significant changes in circumstances. The regulator had initially blocked the deal in April, citing concerns over Microsoft's potential dominance in the emerging cloud gaming and streaming market. However, Microsoft has since made commitments to the European Commission and negotiated a deal with PlayStation, which it believes should pave the way for the acquisition to proceed. The company has also hinted at a revised merger proposal, although details remain scarce. The authority is now seeking comments on whether the circumstances have indeed changed materially since its initial report. A spokesperson noted that such submissions are rare and will be carefully considered alongside other responses before the August 29 deadline. Microsoft's $69 billion bid has faced opposition from regulators in the US, Europe, and the UK, with the European authorities approving the deal after Microsoft made concessions, the US regulator facing a setback in its efforts to block the deal, and the UK's Competition and Markets Authority being the only one to completely block the acquisition so far.