After UK veto, Microsoft wins EU antitrust nod for Activision deal
Microsoft has won EU antitrust approval for its $69 billion Activision takeover, which was vetoed by Britain. The European Commission said that the biggest-ever deal in gaming was pro-competitive due to Microsoft's licensing deals. Regulators said that its offer of free 10-year licensing deals to gamers and cloud streaming rivals addressed their concerns.
European Union antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said that such licenses are "practical and effective". "Actually they significantly improve the condition for cloud game streaming compared to the present situation, which is why we actually consider them pro-competitive," she added.
According to the EU watchdog, Microsoft has offered 10-year free licensing deals to European consumers and cloud game streaming services for Activision's PC and console games.
Earlier, the competition regulator of Britain has issued an interim order restricting Microsoft and Activision from acquiring an interest in each other without its consent. The UK regulator said it was concerned the deal would offer reduced innovation and less choice for gamers in the cloud gaming business.
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