UK Blocks Microsoft’s $68.7 Billion Activision Blizzard Merger over Cloud Gaming Concerns

[Tsing]

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that it will be blocking Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a deal valued at $68.7 billion. In a press release titled "Microsoft / Activision deal prevented to protect innovation and choice in cloud gaming," the UK regulator expressed its worries about how the deal would stifle competition and undermine innovation in the cloud gaming market, and while Microsoft presumably did its best in trying to address those concerns, it failed for at least three major reasons. Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, has tweeted a statement that can confirm Microsoft will be appealing the CMA's decision.

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[Grimlakin]

Probably will address the problem areas and try to sail through.

 

[Tempest]

the UK regulator expressed its worries about how the deal would stifle competition and undermine innovation in the cloud gaming market

If the merger could somehow destroy the cloud gaming market, it has my wholehearted endorsement.

 

[Grimlakin]

I wonder if they appeal and fix the called out areas is everything else protected by double Jeopardy protections?