Microsoft Activision Deal Formally Receives Letter of Objections From EU

The Microsoft Activision deal has formally received a letter of objections from E.U. regulators. Earlier in January, reports claimed that the E.U. was set to issue a warning to Microsoft and Activision Blizzard over anti-trust concerns. Now, the companies have been handed a written statement of objections, the contents of which are not yet known.

Microsoft Activision deal will have to include concessions

Following the E.U.’s latest move, as reported by Politico and SeekingAlpha, Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will prepare concessions to appease the regulator. Both companies are keen to find a path forward, but it remains to be seen if they can sway regulatory bodies in E.U., U.K., and U.S.A.

Although the contents of the statement of objections haven’t been disclosed yet, E.U. has made its stance clear from the start. The regulator previously said that the deal could result in juggernaut Call of Duty eventually becoming platform exclusive, reducing competition and giving Microsoft the power to raise prices.

Worth noting that Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan allegedly met E.U. officials last week to discuss the matter.

Across the pond in the U.S., the Federal Trade Commission has already sued to block the acquisition, resulting in harsh statements from Microsoft and Activision Blizzard executives.