Pelta88
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Microsoft's $75bn acquisition of video game maker Activision Blizzard faces in-depth probes in Brussels and the UK following growing concerns the deal is anti-competitive and will exclude rivals from accessing the blockbuster game Call of Duty.
It comes as the UK's Competition and Markets Authority is expected to launch an in-depth investigation this week after Microsoft decided not to offer any remedies at this stage, according to two individuals with knowledge of the situation.
Regulators and others involved in the deal expect a prolonged EU investigation once Microsoft officially files its case in Brussels in the coming weeks. People familiar with the EU's thinking say regulators will take their time to examine this deal because of its size, the nature of the buyer and the rising concerns from rivals, including Sony.
"It is a big deal, a difficult deal," said a person in Brussels familiar with the transaction. "It needs an extensive investigation."
Microsoft’s Activision deal faces in-depth EU and UK probes
Regulators in Brussels expected to follow CMA with plans for prolonged competition investigation
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