$69 Billion Microsoft-Activision Deal in UK’s Crosshairs

Microsoft Corp. ’s planned $69 billion purchase of computer games developer Activision Blizzard Inc. faces an in-depth probe in the UK after regulators said the deal could hamper competition.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it decided to kickstart a longer review after Microsoft turned down the chance to offer remedies to address its concerns.

“Microsoft informed the CMA that it would not offer such undertakings,” the regulator said in its decision.

The move was expected after the CMA previously flagged concerns the deal could lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the gaming console, subscription and cloud markets. The regulator now has until March 1 to come to a final decision.

Microsoft wasn’t expected to offer any remedies after the initial findings. The CMA usually only accepts one-off measures to restore the market at this stage, rather than any agreements on future behavior which are more common at phase two.

Microsoft shares fell 1.7% at 1:21 p.m in New York trading.

Microsoft-Activision Deal Faces In-Depth UK Antitrust Probe

The combination with Activision -- which owns some of the most popular franchises including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Guitar Hero -- will make Microsoft the world’s third-largest gaming company and boost the Xbox maker’s roster of titles for its Game Pass subscribers.

“We’re ready to work with the CMA on next steps and address any of its concerns,” Brad Smith, Microsoft president and vice chair, said in a Sept. 1 statement.

The CMA joins other global regulators including the US Federal Trade Commission in examining the deal. The European Commission is currently taking a keen interest, though Microsoft has yet to file a formal case in Brussels.