Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger: UK regulator details how the public can send their opinion on the transaction

It has been more than a month since the UK Competition and Markets Authority referred the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger for a longer Phase 2 investigation. And the regulator announced this week that this stage of the inquiry would include accepting opinions or feedback from the public.

Conducting some form of public consultation for a blockbuster deal similar to Microsoft and Activision Blizzard’s transaction is quite common. It can be recalled that Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense did the same a few months ago, where it also called on Microsoft competitors to send in their responses.

Now, the UK watchdog announced how the public could send their responses to the $68.7 billion acquisition deal. Those interested in participating can send opinions and evidence to [email protected]. The CMA reminds the public that submissions should be in Word, Excel, or searchable PDF formats and to indicate if their response includes confidential materials.

Some gaming fans and consumers have been having intense online discussions about the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger, especially those who engage in the so-called “console war” between Sony and Microsoft. The CMA appears to be aware of that and noted in its announcement on Thursday, “Please note that due to the anticipated volume of submissions, we may not be able to individually acknowledge and respond to your email,”

The regulator will ask for public opinion on two different stages of its Phase 2 investigation, including after the release of its Issues Statement and provisional findings. The CMA’s Issues Statement on the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard proposal was published last Oct. 14. In the 15-page document, the regulator said it did not find “ any persuasive evidence” that Microsoft will not fully or partially exclude PlayStation from future “Call of Duty” launches.

The CMA has set a “statutory deadline” for its Phase 2 investigation on March 1, 2023. Meanwhile, both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard expect the merger to be finalized by mid-2023.

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