UK regulator welcoming public thoughts on Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard

The latest in the saga of The CMA's investigation into Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the regulatory board has invited members of the public to share their perspectives on the deal.

The request: It's the latest in a long line of communications regarding the investigation.

• The CMA, the competition regulator in the United Kingdom, has issued a public call for people to share their thoughts on the prospective transaction.
• This quickly follows the governing body's issues statement that elaborated on the concerns it has over the merger in regard to competition in the gaming industry.
• Specifically, it's now at the stage where it's inviting anyone, "including members of the public," to get in touch to present their views — including any "potential concerns."

The process: There's still a long road ahead of the two gaming giants.

• The CMA explained that, in the second phase of the ongoing investigation, it's currently gathering and reviewing more evidence and perspectives.
• The body will eventually go on to speak directly with Activision Blizzard and Microsoft about what it's found. Both parties have been responding to The CMA during the process.
• It will publish its provisional findings once it feels it has a strong stance on the business at hand, including its prospective decision on the acquisition.
• At that stage, the public can reply to the decision before the final conclusion is made. Should The CMA arrive at the decision that the deal is not harmful to the market, it will give its approval. Otherwise, it will decide how any concerns can be addressed and fixed.