The 415-page report of the British regulator on the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard continues to find new details. Now it has noticed that the regulator intends to block the takeover immediately for a decade.
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has indicated that it usually blocks mergers for 10 years unless “circumstances change.” Apparently, this means that if Microsoft loses the appeal or the situation in the gaming market does not change in its favor, then next time the corporation will be able to try to buy Activision Blizzard only when this deadline expires.
Recall that the CMA announced its decision to block the deal on April 26. In its brief statement, the regulator did not specify for how long it prohibits the sale of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft. Shortly after the decision was published, Microsoft announced that it was going to challenge it in court.