The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has halted the $69 billion deal over concerns about reduced innovation and limited choice for UK gamers.
Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard has been blocked by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The regulator published its final report on the $69 billion deal on Wednesday (4/26/2023), stating that it had prevented the acquisition due to concerns that it would "alter the future of the fast-growing cloud gaming market, leading to reduced innovation and less choice for UK gamers over the years to come."
The decision marks a significant setback for Microsoft's efforts to secure the acquisition. The UK regulator is considered one of the most influential in deciding the deal's fate, alongside its counterparts in the EU and the US. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission is suing Microsoft to block the deal over competition concerns, while the EU is still investigating.
Microsoft has confirmed it will appeal the CMA's decision.