So the CMA is the only holdout for MS Activision deal.....and MS is considering WITHDRAWING from UK market altogether if they don't unblock it

[Remij 4,670]

So Microsoft asked the judge to expedite the process to begin the hearing sooner so they would have more time to use their expert witnesses to debunk and dismantle the FTCs case.  Originally they had 2 days, which is what the FTC wanted, and MS asked for 5, and the judge has now granted them 5 days.  That gives MS a lot more time to present their case, and still finish within their deadline timeframe.

 

Again, MS has now undoubtedly gotten their way with regards to expediting this entire process so they can close this deal within the timeframe they allotted.   If the FTC doesn't get the preliminary injunction, and they absolutely shouldn't... then that means that MS can focus on the CMA appeal and put even more pressure on them to work out a deal.. since it will literally be only the CMA standing in their way.  That deal could be that they close and aren't able to sell Activision/Blizzard games directly in the UK and have to use a 3rd party distributor, or some variation of something like that... something to give the CMA a win where they can still say they "fought for UK consumers"..

 

There's clearly a path here for them.  We'll see if MS can close this out  

Edited June 15, 2023 by Remij