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Microsoft-Activision Merger: European Union Replies To Anti-Competitive Claims 

Microsoft-Activision Merger European Union Replies To Anti-Competitive Claims

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Microsoft-Activision Merger: The European Commission (EC) has announced a comprehensive investigation into Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision, putting the deal’s approval in the EU in jeopardy. Although the EC has yet to issue a ruling on the matter, the company’s early reaction to the agreement has angered both Microsoft and Xbox supporters, who believe the regulator is siding with Sony. An EC worker’s contentious post added more confusion to the situation.

Microsoft-Activision Merger

An EU Probe Of The Microsoft-Activision Merger Was Hindered By A Tweet

Ricardo Cardoso, the EC’s Deputy Head of Unit Interinstitutional & Outreach, tweeted last week that the organization is “trying to assure that you will still be able to play Call of Duty on other systems (including my PlayStation).”

Many followers and experts in the field misinterpreted his message as his official position for the EC, and chaos ensued. Following TweakTown’s inquiry, the EC has confirmed to us that Cardoso is free to tweet in his personal role and is not involved in the probe into the Microsoft Activision agreement.

The statement clarifies that Mr. Cardoso is employed by the Director General for the Internal Market, not the Directorate General for Competition. Mr. Cardoso is not participating in the evaluation of this deal. What’s more, it’s very evident from his profile that he tweets in his own capacity.

Microsoft-Activision Merger
Microsoft-Activision Merger
Spencer won’t be able to duck questions about Activision on the basis of it being another company now, because Microsoft and Activision are about to be part of the same company. On Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Microsoft had agreed to buy Activision Blizzard in an all-cash deal valued at $75.5 billion.

How Much Is Microsoft Buying Activision For?

Microsoft (ticker: MSFT) announced its $69 billion all-cash deal for Activision Blizzard (ATVI) in January, and in normal times there wouldn’t be much concern about the acquisition going through.
The deal would grant Microsoft ownership over globally recognized franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and Candy Crush, to name a few. It also creates a new division in the company, Microsoft Gaming, to be led by the company’s head of its Xbox division, Phil Spencer.

What Happens If Microsoft Doesn’t Buy Activision?

If the deal with Microsoft is closed, then the corporation itself will reorganize the game studio. However, if the deal falls through, then Activision will have to clear its own name.

Final Words

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