Unique-EU regulators search views on Microsoft treatments for UK watchdog By Reuters

By Foo Yun Chee

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – EU antitrust regulators are asking Microsoft (NASDAQ:)’s rivals and prospects whether or not they’re affected by the U.S. tech large’s proposals to realize UK approval for its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:), sources near the matter mentioned.

Microsoft final month supplied to promote its cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft Leisure after Britain’s Competitors and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the largest gaming deal in historical past.

The European Fee had cleared the deal in Could after Microsoft agreed to license common Activision video games corresponding to “Name of Responsibility” to rival game-streaming platforms.

That clearance was given earlier than Microsoft proposed the Ubisoft deal to appease the UK regulator.

Nonetheless, the EU antitrust watchdog has since emailed firms to ask for suggestions, the sources advised Reuters. The sources mentioned it has not launched a proper investigation, suggesting it might be ready for a CMA determination earlier than making any transfer.

An EU investigation appears unlikely, different sources mentioned, citing the structuring of Microsoft’s CMA proposal to make sure compliance with its EU treatments.

The Fee declined to touch upon the e-mail, reiterating that it was following developments within the UK intently and assessing any potential influence by itself case.