EU Seems to Have Doubts over Microsoft Takeover of Activision
The European Commission may join the ranks of opponents of the biggest deal in video game history, Reuters reports.
Purchase of Activision by Microsoft - hailed by many as the biggest deal in video game history - seems increasingly doubtful. Objections have already been raised by major companies, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also appears to be against the deal.
Microsoft had hoped to have more luck in Europe, but reports from Reuters suggest that the Redmond giant is in for a disappointment. Indeed, the European Commission is said to be preparing to issue an antitrust warning over Microsoft's planned acquisition.
According to the agency, the EC is in the process of preparing a so-called "statement of objections" in which it will outline its objections to the deal. The note is expected to be sent to Microsoft in the coming weeks.
EU representatives did not respond to journalists' request for comment. Microsoft, meanwhile, limited itself to assurances that it continues to cooperate with the European Commission.
"We are continuing to work with the European Commission to address any market concerns [regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision - author's note]. Our goal is to bring more games to a larger audience, and this deal [the Activision purchase - author's note] will contribute to that goal."
Discussions about the gigantic deal (valued at nearly $69 billion) have been going on for many months. So far, Microsoft has won the favor of a handful of countries (Serbia, Chile, Saudi Arabia and Brazil), the company has also managed to convince UK citizens to the take over.
A statement from the European Commission will be released no later than April 11.
