“UK MPs Question CMA’s Decision to Block Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Acquisition”

Now that the European Union is on board with Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, UK MPs are turning their attention to the Competition and Markets Authority, and have started to question the CMA’s decision to block the deal in the UK.

CMA chiefs Marcus Bokkerink and Sarah Cardell have been questioned about the decision reached by the regulator, and many MPs are concerned that the block will affect the UK’s reputation internationally, with many concerns centering on the UK being open for business, which as Microsoft and Activision executives have stated is not clear after the CMA decision.

As shown in the recorded session on Parliamentlive.tv (and reported on by Eurogamer), the CMA’s Bokkerink has already responded to these concerns from MPs, stating:

“I understand the bottom line – that when a decision is made that blocks a deal, there is a question of whether the UK is open for business. Every business knows that there is a very big difference between building a business, investing in a new business, investing in a start-up, creating a new business – there is a big difference between that and buying an already established, well-established company with established positions. The two are not the same.

“The UK has always encouraged – and it is the CMA’s duty to encourage – open competitive markets. We are vigilant – as it is our duty to be – about investment that consolidates already entrenched market power.”

While the EU is in favor of the deal, the CMA has also pointed the finger at the US and how the Federal Trade Commission is still in the process of trying to block the monumental merger.

Regardless, the CMA appears to be standing by its decision, which Microsoft will appeal anyway, a process that will no doubt take months, if not years, to complete.