EU to launch advanced Microsoft-Activision probe

Darth Vader

I find your lack of faith disturbing
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The European Commission is set to launch an in-depth investigation into Microsoft’s record $69 billion splash on games developer Activision-Blizzard after the U.S. tech giant opted not to file remedies to the EU’s antitrust enforcers, people familiar with the matter told POLITICO.

Microsoft had a deadline of midnight tonight to submit commitments placating the concerns of the EU’s competition department, but the company chose not to do so, according to two individuals close to the matter who spoke to POLITICO on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the case.
 
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Darth Vader

Darth Vader

I find your lack of faith disturbing
Founder
20 Jun 2022
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MS missed the deadline to submit evidence contrary to CMA’s monopoly concerns…

What the heck is going on in that place? Maybe they are getting cold feet seeing subscription numbers peaking.

Either they are confident that what they provided is enough, or they want the deal to fail because their numbers were not great. I fully expect Phil to have been given an ultimatum considering the state of the Xbox division recently. There's only so much money they can throw at the problem, the rest comes with good leadership, something they lack.
 

Old Gamer

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Either they are confident that what they provided is enough, or they want the deal to fail because their numbers were not great. I fully expect Phil to have been given an ultimatum considering the state of the Xbox division recently. There's only so much money they can throw at the problem, the rest comes with good leadership, something they lack.
Surely the whole point of the deal is to boost the numbers mid to long term...
 

Dabaus

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It means they dont feel like they need to concede anything. Right now theyre sending phil out to make the rounds lying and speaking every which way on the subject to try and trick/appease regulators. They feel entitled to buy whatever they want, there isnt any other cunning plan other than that.
 

Bryank75

I don't get ulcers, I give 'em!
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They're gonna probe the shit outta them!

paul film GIF
 

Hezekiah

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23 Jul 2022
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MS trying to be slick again. Doesn't go well with their pro-comsumer, gamer-friendly image does it.
 
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Rivet

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25 Jun 2022
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MS wants the deal to fail, that's probably why they're not even trying to convince EU. They paid far too much (they bought before Nasdaq lost 50 % or more) and Game Pass is a flop anyway, it just missed another target by a landslide. Buying Actibliz makes doesn't make sense anymore, especially at that stupid price.
 

DynamiteCop

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MS wants the deal to fail, that's probably why they're not even trying to convince EU. They paid far too much (they bought before Nasdaq lost 50 % or more) and Game Pass is a flop anyway, it just missed another target by a landslide. Buying Actibliz makes doesn't make sense anymore, especially at that stupid price.
They've already done all they need to do, this has nothing to do with wanting the deal to fail. They've presented all that they are willing to, they don't need to make indefinite concessions or even recognize a regulator request. That's not how this works.
 
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Darth Vader

Darth Vader

I find your lack of faith disturbing
Founder
20 Jun 2022
7,365
10,933
They've already done all they need to do, this has nothing to do with wanting the deal to fail. They've presented all that they are willing to, they don't need to make indefinite concessions or even recognize a regulator request. That's not how this works.

Agreed. But if they continue with their high and mighty approach, they risk this failing not only the UK but also in the EU. The UK alone would probably cripple the deal, the EU would wreck it.
 
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peter42O

Guest
No reason for Microsoft to submit anything until the last stage/phase of these investigations because it doesn't benefit Microsoft at all to do so early. Microsoft always said by June 30th, 2023 they expect the deal to close. Outside of a few small regions, every region was going to go the distance for what is the biggest acquisition in gaming history. This won't close until Spring 2023 at the earliest.
 

DynamiteCop

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Agreed. But if they continue with their high and mighty approach, they risk this failing not only the UK but also in the EU. The UK alone would probably cripple the deal, the EU would wreck it.
They would get sued if they can't present justification for a merger disqualification. It's their job to prove there's an actual justifiable problem, it's not on the purchasers to prove there is not.

They can't just block acquisitions because a purchaser isn't nice to them lol...