Phil Spencer of Xbox is confident that Activision Acquisition Agreement will go through.
Microsoft recently discovered this to their dismay when trying to gain approval of an $68.7 billion acquisition deal.
Initial news broke early last year of Microsoft’s plan to purchase Activision Blizzard as one of the largest video game acquisitions ever, yet in April of that same year the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued its decision that would block it due to “concerns that this acquisition could alter future growth of cloud gaming market leading to decreased innovation and reduced choice for UK gamers over time”.
Even with that major roadblock in place, however, the deal still appears likely. When CMA issued its decision back in April, Microsoft president Brad Smith confirmed they’d appeal. Later at Xbox’s recent What’s Next For Gaming event Phil Spencer stated Microsoft remains “committed” and confident of reaching an agreement soon enough.
“Our focus right now is finding solutions with regulators who have questions,” Spencer stated, noting that various parts of the acquisition posed challenges for regulators. We had success doing that with European Commission commissioners; I’m confident we’ll find more solutions later if given enough time and focus. I remain positive.”
Last month, CNBC asked Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella whether he’d considered withholding products from UK customers should the deal pass approval elsewhere; his answer: “Let’s wait and see.” Obviously he wasn’t wanting to jump the gun, yet his statement may cause concern among UK gamers as no definite no was offered as an answer.
