Microsoft Might Pull Activision From The UK Get Around Activision Blizzard Acquisition Block
What will the Brits do without Call of Duty?
No Activision? No problem.
According to a Bloomberg report, Microsoft is considering withdrawing Activision from the UK market as a potential strategy to bypass the country's block on its proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The company’s president Brad Smith is scheduled to meet with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt next week to express his frustration over the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) decision to block the deal. Smith will also discuss the company's strategy with legal representatives, including extreme options such as withdrawing Activision from the UK or bypassing the UK order and proceeding with the acquisition.
The report suggests that moving Activision's operations to another European country outside the CMA's jurisdiction could allow the company's games to continue being sold through a distributor. Microsoft's appeal against the CMA's decision will be heard in court in July. As of now though, the deal has already been approved in nearly 40 countries (including the European Union).
Related Articles
About the Author
![Matthew D'Onofrio](/assets/images/team/matthew.jpg)
Matthew “dinofries” D'Onofrio is a writer, content creator, podcaster and — most importantly — a gamer. With such a strong passion for video games and a severe case of FOMO, it's no surprise he always has his finger on the pulse of the gaming world. On the rare occasion Matt's away from a screen, you'll find him strumming away on his acoustic guitar or taking care of his cat Totoro.
More Stories by Matthew D'OnofrioRead Next
![9-Year Veteran Game Designer For World Of Warcraft Fired, Alleges It Was Over Dialogue That Joked About Corporate Greed](https://www.mmobomb.com/file/2023/6/wow-gallywix-218x150.jpg)
"Looks like another yacht for me."
You May Enjoy
![As Open Beta Issues Get Cleared Up, Throne And Liberty Announces Founder Packs Starting At $40](https://www.mmobomb.com/file/2024/7/throne-liberty-founder-packs-218x150.jpg)
Not exactly the most inspired founder packs, in my opinion.
![It May Not Be Officially "Back" Yet, But Heroes Of The Storm Just Had Another Patch Hit The PTR](https://www.mmobomb.com/file/2024/2/heroes-of-storm-patch-notes-218x150.jpg)
It's not new content...but it's yet another patch for a game that went almost 2 years without any.
![After Suspending Steam Early Access Back In April, Enlisted Is Ready To Try Again](https://www.mmobomb.com/file/2024/7/enlisted-steam-early-access-relaunch-218x150.jpg)
The game is available on Steam now and even offers full support for Steam Deck and full cross-play.
![Explore The First Ever RuneScape Boss Dungeon Hidden Deep In The Underworld](https://www.mmobomb.com/file/2024/7/runescape-first-boss-dungeon-218x150.jpg)
‘Sanctum of Rebirth’ opens to players today.
![Yes, Overwatch 2 Will Finally Experiment With 6v6 Formats, But You'll Need To Be Patient](https://www.mmobomb.com/file/2023/5/overwatch-2-director-39-take-218x150.png)
A new "Director's Take" letter finally talks about 6v6 and if it could happen once again.
![Final Fantasy XIV Is Making An Appearance At Gamescom, And There's A New Shirt Up For Grabs](https://www.mmobomb.com/file/2024/7/ffxiv-gamescom-2024-218x150.jpg)
Players can even win an “I Beat Valigarmanda” t-shirt.
Discussion (0)