Canada Objects to Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Image: Push Square
In the ongoing battle between Microsoft and the United States’ antitrust regulator, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a staggering $69 billion, Canada has now thrown its disapproval into the mix. The Canada Competition Bureau (CCB) has reacted to a memorandum from Microsoft claiming that “every single worldwide regulator” approves of the merger, excluding the FTC and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The CCB’s lawyer, Jonathan Bitran, has called out the “factual inaccuracies” in Microsoft’s statement.
Game Developer reports that the CCB had expressed concerns about the deal as early as May. While they have not taken the matter to the extent of the UK and the USA, Canada’s disapproval poses yet another challenge for Microsoft and Activision. It is likely to cause further headaches for the two companies involved.
The CCB’s objections align with those of other regulators, stating that the acquisition is “likely to result in a substantial prevention and/or lessening of competition with respect to gaming consoles and multigame subscription services.”
The situation is far from being resolved, and there is still a long way to go before any conclusions can be drawn. It remains to be seen how Microsoft and Activision will address the objections raised by Canada and other regulators. Share your thoughts on this development in the comments section below.