BRUSSELS: Before an anticipated comprehensive EU investigation, Microsoft Corp. (MSFT.O) has not provided any remedies to EU antitrust regulators looking into its proposed $69 billion acquisition of “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O), according to a person with knowledge of the situation on Monday.
The American software business is relying on the acquisition to enable it to more effectively compete with market leaders Tencent (0700.HK) and Sony (6758.T), the latter of which has voiced opposition to the agreement.
The European Commission stated that its website was up to date as of the completion of its initial review of the agreement on November 8. According to the website, Microsoft made no accommodations.
Microsoft stated that it is still working with the Commission to determine the following actions and to resolve any legitimate market concerns, such those made by Sony.Sony, the market leader, claims to be concerned about Call of Duty, but Microsoft has stated that it is dedicated to making the same game available on both Xbox and PlayStation on the same day.
When companies are aware that regulators will subsequently launch a four-month inquiry, they often do not give remedies during the EU preliminary evaluation.