ComCom examines Microsoft plan to acquire Activision

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Photo: AFP / NurPhoto

The Commerce Commission is considering whether Microsoft’s proposed takeover of gaming company Activision Blizzard, the biggest potential acquisition in the history of video gaming, would lessen competition in the sector.

The US$69 billion (NZ$111b) takeover bid of Activision Blizzard, known for its Call of Duty and Candy Crush games, has split competition regulators in the UK, US and Europe.

The EU has approved the deal but the UK has blocked it, while a US judge has temporarily blocked the deal from going ahead, with a hearing on the matter this week.

Now the Commerce Commission is seeking submissions on whether the deal would lessen competition.

The commission has published a statement of issues outlining potential competition issues with the acquisition, saying it will investigate whether the potential merged entity would dampen competition in the sector.

Public submissions are due in early next month, with the commission expected to make its final decision by 17 July.

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