The Competition and Markets Authority said it decided to launch a larger review after Microsoft rejected an opportunity to offer remedies to address its concerns. “Microsoft has informed the CMA that it will not offer such commitments,” the regulator said in its decision. The move was expected after the CMA had previously flagged concerns that the deal could lead to a significant reduction in competition in the games console, subscription and cloud markets. The regulator now has until March 1 to reach a final decision. The Microsoft-Activision deal faces an in-depth investigation by the UK’s antitrust probe The combination with Activision — which owns some of the most popular franchises, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Guitar Hero — would make Microsoft the world’s third-largest gaming company and bolster its slate of titles. Xbox maker for its Game Pass subscribers. . “We stand ready to work with the CMA on next steps and to address any of its concerns,” Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president and vice president, said in a Sept. 1 statement. (Updates with more details everywhere) ©2022 Bloomberg LP
