Activision Blizzard has released a statement today following the UK CMA’s verdict to decline the takeover by Microsoft, with ActiBlizz CEO Bobby Kotick sharing some words regarding his frustration over the decision.
Kotick says that this is “far from the final word on this deal”, and both ActiBlizz and Microsoft remain confident in their plans to appeal the verdict as “the facts are on our side”. Here’s a sample from the statement:
“The UK hopes to grow its leadership position in technology, and a combined Microsoft-Activision would accomplish exactly that.
At a time when the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence are thriving, we know the UK market would benefit from Microsoft’s bench strength in both domains, as well as our ability to put those technologies to use immediately. By contrast, if the CMA’s decision holds, it would stifle investment, competition, and job creation throughout the UK gaming industry.”
In addition, Activision Blizzard’s Lulu Cheng Meservey ( EVP of Corporate Affairs and CCO) has called the decision a “major setback for the UK’s ambitions to be a tech hub”, as well as a “disservice to UK citizens”.
“The CMA’s report today is a major setback for the UK’s ambitions to be a tech hub, and we will work with Microsoft to reverse it on appeal.
This report is also a disservice to UK citizens, who face increasingly dire economic prospects, and we will need to reassess our growth strategy in the UK. Global innovators large and small will take note that – despite all its rhetoric – the UK is closed for business.
The CMA’s concerns remain focused around the cloud gaming market, with the regulator revealing earlier today that the decision to block the acquisition was “to protect innovation and choice in cloud gaming”.
You can read more about all of this elsewhere on Pure Xbox:
