CMA extends deadline for Microsoft-Activision Blizzard probe

The Competition and Markets Authority said on Friday that it has extended a final deadline on Microsoft’s proposed $69bn acquisition of Activision Blizzard to 29 August.

The extension comes after the CMA received a "detailed and complex submission" from Microsoft about how it can address the watchdog’s concerns.

"The CMA considers that there is insufficient time remaining in the statutory period for full and proper consideration of Microsoft’s submission on the proposed order," it said. "As such, the Inquiry Group considers that there are special reasons to extend by six weeks."

The CMA announced in April that it was blocking the deal on competition concerns.

Earlier this week, meanwhile, a US judge rejected an attempt by the Federal Trade Commission to block the takeover. The US FTC is now appealing against that ruling.