Microsoft has thrown the gauntlet down over antitrust criticisms, saying on Tuesday it is ready to offer rivals licensing deals in exchange for regulatory approval of its $69 billion deal to purchase video game publisher Activision , but it would not to sell the latter's lucrative 'Call of Duty' franchise.
Market leader Sony wants the deal to be blocked. A group of 10 gamers in the United States hasThe European Games Development Federation, with more than 2,500 game studios in 22 European countries, and the UNI Global Union back the acquisition.
Smith said the CMA has a choice to either kill the deal and cement Sony's 80% market share in Europe or clear it with behavioural remedies such as the licensing deals with Nintendo and Nvidia that will bring Call of Duty to 150 more million people.Both companies have signed 10-year licensing deals that will bring Call of Duty to their gaming platforms but these are conditional on the Activision deal being approved.
The European Commission could be more open to such remedies if they can allay their concerns, but it is still too early to tell.Brazil, Chile, Serbia and Saudi Arabia have given unconditional approval.The EU antitrust enforcer's decision is due by April 11 but the deadline can be extended depending on when remedies are offered.
The CMA has given Microsoft until 1700 GMT Feb. 22 to comment on possible remedies, with a response hearing possible by early March, final submissions and responses in March and April 26 for a final report.Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Aurora Ellis
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