UK to probe Microsoft, Activision Blizzard deal

EPA-EFE/MICHAEL NELSON

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) stated on Wednesday that it is starting an inquiry into the acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. by Microsoft Corp. The probe aims to determine if the deal could "result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services."

The deadline for a preliminary decision on the matter is September 1, although the CMA stated it could be announced at a different date, depending on the development of the merger assessment process. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission announced in June that it is investigating the deal.

Baha Breaking News (BBN) / DJ