1. #1

    Can anyone explain why the UK Government is getting Involved in this?

    Microsoft / Activision Blizzard merger inquiry
    The CMA is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    From:
    Competition and Markets Authority
    Published
    6 July 2022
    Case type:
    Mergers
    Case state:
    Open
    Market sector:
    Electronics
    Opened:
    6 July 2022
    Statutory timetable
    Phase 1 date Action
    1 September 2022 Deadline for phase 1 decision (*)
    6 July 2022 to 20 July 2022 Invitation to comment
    6 July 2022 Launch of merger inquiry
    (*) This date is the current statutory deadline by when the decision will be announced. If any change occurs, the information is refreshed as soon as practicable. However, the CMA cannot guarantee that the decision will be announced on or before this current deadline, as the deadline of a given case may change during the merger assessment process due to different reasons.

    Phase 1
    Launch of merger inquiry
    6 July 2022: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

    Commencement notice (6.7.22)
    Invitation to comment: closes on 20 July 2022
    6 July 2022: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

  2. #2
    Elemental Lord
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    Quote Originally Posted by scorpioz10 View Post
    6 July 2022: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
    you answered your own question.

  3. #3
    If you wanna do business in other countries you're gonna have to follow the laws in other countries....that's kinda how it works

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Mysterymask View Post
    If you wanna do business in other countries you're gonna have to follow the laws in other countries....that's kinda how it works
    But..but murica

  5. #5
    I don't see a downside to the UK restricting access to the game service as a result of this. Maybe the wow players over there will have a ...revolution?

  6. #6
    I mean, wouldn't a VPN technically solve the problem?

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Triceron View Post
    I mean, wouldn't a VPN technically solve the problem?
    Yes... And no

    On one of hand yes it would allow UK players to continue

    On the other its still gonna make a huge sting on their market share especially when you think in terms of the Activision side of things

  8. #8
    The Undying Lochton's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by scorpioz10 View Post
    Microsoft / Activision Blizzard merger inquiry
    The CMA is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    From:
    Competition and Markets Authority
    Published
    6 July 2022
    Case type:
    Mergers
    Case state:
    Open
    Market sector:
    Electronics
    Opened:
    6 July 2022
    Statutory timetable
    Phase 1 date Action
    1 September 2022 Deadline for phase 1 decision (*)
    6 July 2022 to 20 July 2022 Invitation to comment
    6 July 2022 Launch of merger inquiry
    (*) This date is the current statutory deadline by when the decision will be announced. If any change occurs, the information is refreshed as soon as practicable. However, the CMA cannot guarantee that the decision will be announced on or before this current deadline, as the deadline of a given case may change during the merger assessment process due to different reasons.

    Phase 1
    Launch of merger inquiry
    6 July 2022: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

    Commencement notice (6.7.22)
    Invitation to comment: closes on 20 July 2022
    6 July 2022: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
    Because there is laws you need to follow for every country you operate in.
    FOMO: "Fear Of Missing Out", also commonly known as people with a mental issue of managing time and activities, many expecting others to fit into their schedule so they don't miss out on things to come. If FOMO becomes a problem for you, do seek help, it can be a very unhealthy lifestyle..

  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by scorpioz10 View Post
    Microsoft / Activision Blizzard merger inquiry
    The CMA is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    From:
    Competition and Markets Authority
    Published
    6 July 2022
    Case type:
    Mergers
    Case state:
    Open
    Market sector:
    Electronics
    Opened:
    6 July 2022
    Statutory timetable
    Phase 1 date Action
    1 September 2022 Deadline for phase 1 decision (*)
    6 July 2022 to 20 July 2022 Invitation to comment
    6 July 2022 Launch of merger inquiry
    (*) This date is the current statutory deadline by when the decision will be announced. If any change occurs, the information is refreshed as soon as practicable. However, the CMA cannot guarantee that the decision will be announced on or before this current deadline, as the deadline of a given case may change during the merger assessment process due to different reasons.

    Phase 1
    Launch of merger inquiry
    6 July 2022: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

    Commencement notice (6.7.22)
    Invitation to comment: closes on 20 July 2022
    6 July 2022: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
    You have to be cleared by the government in every country you operate in just as in America. The US Goverment is vetting this as well.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Echo of Soul View Post
    But..but murica
    You do know that they have to follow America law too? They are going through the same process here.

  10. #10
    Nothing will come of it... a bit of posturing is all that comes out of these hiccups.
    Quote Originally Posted by Elim Garak View Post
    No fucking way. The worst idea since democracy.

  11. #11
    Given Microsoft's monopolistic tendencies, it's hardly surprising.

  12. #12
    Quote Originally Posted by scorpioz10 View Post
    Microsoft / Activision Blizzard merger inquiry
    The CMA is investigating the anticipated acquisition by Microsoft Corporation of Activision Blizzard, Inc.

    From:
    Competition and Markets Authority
    Published
    United Kingdom for goods or services.
    This is an easy one. The same reason the government always gets involved. They smell money and they want it. They are just like the mob- if they think there is money, they send the goons to get it. I would rather pay the mob, at least Fat Tony would protect you and break someone's legs- the govt just gives you an excuse (srry- we can't do anything about this), but they still take the money of course!

    I guarantee that the UK won't walk away from this with out collecting some $$$$. They see that the US is getting $$$ off this and they want some too!

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by Alydael View Post
    This is an easy one. The same reason the government always gets involved. They smell money and they want it. They are just like the mob- if they think there is money, they send the goons to get it. I would rather pay the mob, at least Fat Tony would protect you and break someone's legs- the govt just gives you an excuse (srry- we can't do anything about this), but they still take the money of course!

    I guarantee that the UK won't walk away from this with out collecting some $$$$. They see that the US is getting $$$ off this and they want some too!
    Yeah, letting a filthy corporation engorge itself even more is much better than the government protecting the people from their wretched behavior for even a moment.
    Not that the UK governments have even a modicum of power over this deal, anyway. Our oligarchs will be allowed to do what they want to us in the US.

  14. #14
    as some1 that lives in the uk im not sure if i should be concerned about this as a love playing wow

  15. #15
    Spam Assassin! MoanaLisa's Avatar
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    Governments will always get involved in corporate mergers over a certain size. This means nothing for now and isn't unusual at all. The Competition and Markets Authority needs to have a reason to exist and that reason is to stay busy by making sure they have a lot to do.
    "...money's most powerful ability is to allow bad people to continue doing bad things at the expense of those who don't have it."

  16. #16
    The only one I can really see play hardball with the merger is Vestager

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