Activision Blizzard purchase would take time to complete due to the CMA

Microsoft triumphed before the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), so it is getting closer and closer to buying Activision Blizzard. However, the tech giant still has to deal with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

It seemed that everything would work in Microsoft's favor, as the CMA decided to pause its legal battle with the company in order to negotiate the purchase of Activision Blizzard. However, things will not be easy, as the CMA suggested that this could lead to a new investigation, which would delay the whole process even more.

The CMA will put more obstacles to the purchase of Activision Blizzard

Billy Proudlock, in charge of communications at the CMA, made some less than encouraging statements for the future of the Activision Blizzard buyout. He stated that the regulator is willing to negotiate; however, this may lead to a new investigation process.

He added that they will listen to Microsoft's plans to restructure the purchase, but made it clear that the CMA has not changed its mind for now and still opposes the acquisition. A new investigation will take time, so the purchase could take longer than expected to materialize.

On the other hand, Proudlock revealed that the new talks between Microsoft and the CMA are in their early stages, so there is still a whole process pending.

"Whilst merging parties don’t have the opportunity to put forward new remedies once a final report has been issued, they can choose to restructure a deal, which can lead to a new merger investigation. Microsoft and Activision have indicated that they are considering how the transaction might be modified, and the CMA is prepared to engage with them on this basis.

"These discussions remain at an early stage and the nature and timing of next steps will be determined in due course. While both parties have requested a pause in Microsoft’s appeal to allow these discussions to take place, the CMA decision set out in its final report still stands," stated the regulator.

Thus, it is not excluded that things could get a bit more complicated for Microsoft, especially if the CMA starts a new investigation process. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that the regulator will change its mind, so the company could think of other alternatives to close the purchase despite the CMA's obstacles.