Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard was controversially blocked in its original form by the UK Competition and Markets Authority. What was the CMA’s rationale and how has the investigation played out since then? Bruce Kilpatrick, partner at Addleshaw Goddard LLP in London, joins Christina Ma and Matthew Hall to discuss the UK element of the worldwide merger control investigation into this case. Listen to this episode to learn more about the CMA’s original investigation, the parties’ appeal to the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, the CMA’s review of an amended transaction and the future of behavioral remedies in the UK.

Bruce Kilpatrick, Partner, Addleshaw Goddard LLP

Related Links:

UK Competition and Markets Authority Microsoft/Activision Blizzard merger case page (original transaction)
UK Competition and Markets Authority Microsoft/Activision Blizzard merger case page (amended transaction)
European Commission press release Microsoft/Activision Blizzard merger clearance
U.S. Federal Trade Commission press release challenge to Microsoft/Activision Blizzard merger
Summary of appeal application at UK Competition Appeal Tribunal (original transaction)
UK Competition Appeal Tribunal case page (original transaction)

Hosted by:

Christina Ma, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP