Microsoft’s president claimed that the company was exploring ways to win British clearance for the $69 billion acquisition of “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard by the software giant.
Microsoft Searching Solutions Over U.K. Block: In a shocking move, British competition authorities denied the largest-ever gaming agreement in April. Microsoft has subsequently challenged the judgment. President Brad Smith expressed optimism that things would turn around.
Microsoft President Brad Smith said, “I’m searching for solutions,” at the techUK Tech Policy Leadership conference in London on Tuesday.
“We want to address regulators’ concerns if they have any. If there are issues, we wish to find solutions. We want to determine how to comply with any additional regulatory obligations the U.K. wants to impose.
Following the CMA’s veto of the merger, which Smith had warned would undermine confidence in the U.K. as a location for tech enterprises, he chose not to comment on any meetings with the British government.
After accepting Microsoft’s proposed remedies, which were largely similar to those it put forth in the U.K., the E.U.’s competition authorities authorized the deal in May.
Microsoft has also appealed the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s decision to halt the transaction because it will stifle competition.