Sources claim that Microsoft may receive an antitrust warning from the European Union (EU) in connection with the purchase of Activision-Blizzard. This is part of the ongoing EU investigation into the ongoing deal.
Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the EU is likely to issue an antitrust warning to Microsoft. The warning concerns Activision Blizzard’s $69 billion acquisition, which is currently the largest in gaming history. This antitrust warning is likely to be a problem for Microsoft’s acquisition. According to sources, the European Commission is currently preparing a charge sheet. This indictment or statement of objections will detail the EU’s concerns about the purchase. When asked by Reuters for comment, the European Commission declined to give it.
This is just one of the various commissions that call into question a huge purchase. The UK Competition and Markets Authority is also questioning the large-scale purchase. On the other hand, the US Federal Trade Commission is suing Microsoft in an attempt to stop the purchase. This does not mean, of course, that everyone is against buying. Saudi Arabia, Brazil and Serbia have already given their consent to the purchase last year. Here’s what Microsoft says about the EU reaction:
We continue to work with the European Commission to solve any market problems. Our goal is to provide more games to more people, and this deal will help achieve that goal.
The sources, however, said that the European Commission “will not be open to remedies without first sending its indictment.” They also stated that “informal discussions of concessions are continuing.” We won’t really know what this means for the purchase. We can only hope that it will be settled peacefully by both sides. The EU has already questioned Microsoft’s competitors regarding the acquisition. Although we do not know which companies received the questionnaire, we can be sure that their answers will definitely influence the final decision of the EU.
This is all the information we have about the EU antitrust warning about the purchase of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft. You can read our past articles about the situation if you want to know more. Otherwise, you can keep up to date with the latest gaming news using our articles with gaming news.
