CMA outlines next steps for Microsoft and Activision as firms work to clear deal July 12, 2023 Microsoft and Activsion would have to present a new revised deal to the UK’s competition authority if it is to reconsider the multi-billion pound takeover deal, the agency said today. “While the merging parties do not have the opportunity to submit new solutions once a final report has been issued, they can choose to restructure [...]
CMA agrees pause on Microsoft appeal after US court waves through Activision deal July 12, 2023 The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has said it is willing to work with Microsoft over its planned acquisition of video game company Activision Blizzard, which could help end its legal battle with the firms over the deal. It comes after a US judge yesterday handed Microsoft a victory by saying it would not [...]
‘Get the companies under control!’: Microsoft president tells UK to get AI safety in order June 28, 2023 Microsoft president Brad Smith has reiterated that the UK needs to prioritise AI safety in its quest to become a global leader in new technologies. “Let’s get the companies under control”, Smith said, speaking at a packed Chatham House event on Wednesday afternoon, where he argued that a licensing regime is necessary on both a [...]
US competition watchdog follows UK and blocks Microsoft’s $68bn Activision swoop June 13, 2023 America’s competition watchdog, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has moved again to prevent Microsoft from acquiring Call Of Duty maker Activision Blizzard. The US regulator asked a court to temporarily block the $68.7bn (£54.7bn) merger, which it believes could significantly reduce competition in the market. In December, the FTC issued an initial legal complaint, saying, [...]
Microsoft rallies behind licensing regime for AI firms to ensure safety June 6, 2023 The president of Microsoft has called for a licensing regime for artificial intelligence firms, arguing that such a system would be needed to ensure AI models are used safely. “There is some category of models that is so powerful, so impactful, there will need to be certain regulations and laws – new regulations and laws [...]
Ex-CBI chief Tony Danker considers suing scandal-hit lobby group over dismissal June 4, 2023 Former chief of the Confederation of British Industry is considering suing the scandal-hit lobby group after he was dismissed from the top job as the group became embroiled in a sexual misconduct scandal.
Restart game? EU approves Microsoft’s $69bn Activision bid weeks after UK rejected deal May 15, 2023 Microsoft’s $68.7bn bid for Activision Blizzard has been approved by EU regulators today, just weeks after the UK’s competition agency blocked the deal. The EU decided to approve the deal after remedies were put in place to address competition concerns, with the European Commission saying Microsoft offered 10-year free licensing deals to customers. “These licenses [...]
Lord Pannick: Activision hires top KC for £55bn Microsoft takeover legal challenge May 10, 2023 Computer Games company Activision Blizzard has hired Boris Johnson’s former lawyer to represent it in a £55 billion legal battle with the competition watchdog. Lord David Pannick KC, who represented the ex-prime minister through the partygate hearings, will be representing the games giant at a Competition Appeal Tribunal, the Financial Times reported. It comes after [...]
LinkedIn latest tech giant to axe jobs blaming ‘drop in demand’ May 9, 2023 LinkedIn is culling over 700 jobs and closing its local app in China, blaming a slump in consumer demand and turbulent market conditions. In an email to LinkedIn employees, Ryan Roslanksy, LinkedIn chief executive. said the changes would be made in order to shake up the business, which is being hit by slower revenue growth. [...]
Activision deal: Survey says CMA wrong to block Microsoft tie-up May 8, 2023 A quarter of the public thought the UK competition watchdog was wrong to block Microsoft’s $70b deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, a new poll has found. One in four of the public were opposed to the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) decision to block the deal, while a further 16 percent thought it was [...]