Activision Blizzard sale to Microsoft13 Oct 2023 13:33
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) finally approved Microsoft’s acquisition of the company,
But despite approving the takeover, the CMA criticised Microsoft's conduct.
After the competition watchdog blocked the takeover earlier this year, Microsoft's president Brad Smith hit out at the CMA's decision, which it said was "bad for Britain".
CMA chief executive, Sarah Cardell, said: "Businesses and their advisors should be in no doubt that the tactics employed by Microsoft are no way to engage with the CMA.
"Microsoft had the chance to restructure during our initial investigation but instead continued to insist on a package of measures that we told them simply wouldn't work. Dragging out proceedings in this way only wastes time and money."
But while a concession has been made, Microsoft will still control games such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush that will provide the firm with huge revenues