Register

    Microsoft’s $69B Activision deal faces in-depth U.K. inquiry

    By SHOOTUpdated:No Comments1383 Views
    The Activision Blizzard Booth is shown on June 13, 2013, during the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. Microsoft’s plan to buy video game giant Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion could have major effects on the gaming industry, transforming the Xbox maker into something like a Netflix for video games by giving it control of many more popular titles. But to get to the next level, Microsoft must first survive a barrage of government inquiries from various countries. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
    LONDON (AP) --

    Microsoft's $69 billion deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard faces an in-depth antitrust investigation in Britain after the tech company refused to offer proposals to ease competition concerns.

    Britain's Competition and Markets Authority said Thursday that it was referring the blockbuster deal for more scrutiny under a so-called phase 2 investigation.

    The watchdog said that based on the available information, the deal "may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition" in the United Kingdom.

    The all-cash deal, which is set to be the largest in the history of the tech industry, is facing scrutiny from competition regulators around the world. It would give Microsoft, maker of the Xbox console and gaming system, control of popular game franchises such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush.

    In the U.K., regulators had opened a preliminary inquiry and threatened to escalate it earlier this month unless the companies came up with proposals within five days to ease their concerns.

    Last week, "Microsoft informed the CMA that it would not offer such undertakings," the watchdog said.

    Microsoft declined to comment and referred to a statement this month from President Brad Smith, who said the company is ready to work with U.K. regulators and is committed to making Activision's popular Call of Duty game available on both Xbox and rival Sony's PlayStation.

    More than eight months after Microsoft announced the deal, only Saudi Arabia has approved it. Competition watchdogs from New Zealand to Brazil and the U.S. are still examining the purchase, while the European Union is expected to soon announce its own investigation.

    REGISTRATION REQUIRED to access this page.

    Already registered? LOGIN
    Don't have an account? REGISTER

    Registration is FREE and FAST.

    The limited access duration has come to an end. (Access was allowed until: 2022-09-18)
    Tags:Activision BlizzardantitrustMicrosoft



    Amy Madigan to receive the 2026 MUAHS Distinguished Artisan Award

    Tuesday, February 10, 2026
    Amy Madigan (photo by Ian Spanier)

    Oscar®-nominated actress Amy Madigan will receive the Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS, IATSE Local 706) Distinguished Artisan Award, the union’s top honor, at the 13th Annual MUAHS Awards. Hosted by Rachael Harris, the MUAHS Awards will take place on Saturday, February 14, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles.

    Madigan is known for her versatile and award-winning performances across film, television, and theater. An Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner, she currently stars as “Aunt Gladys” in Zach Cregger’s hit film Weapons, which has grossed over $269 million worldwide and earned her a second Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

    “Amy Madigan is a wonderfully talented actress with a storied career portraying a wide range of characters. She is celebrated for collaborating with her makeup and hairstyling team to create an iconic look in Weapons--one that will be remembered and replicated for years to come,” said Julie Socash, president of MUAHS, IATSE Local 706. “Her performances continue to elevate the art of character transformation.”

    The Distinguished Artisan Award is presented to an artist whose consistent collaboration with Local 706 Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists has richly enhanced and created memorable characters throughout their career. Madigan’s transformation into iconic characters has enthralled audiences and inspired countless artists in the industry. She joins the ranks of previous recipients of the MUAHS Distinguished Artisan Award, including Allison Janney, Annette Bening, Johnny Depp, Guillermo Del Toro, Ryan Murphy, Melissa McCarthy, Sir Patrick Stewart, Eddie Murphy, and Gary Oldman.

    Madigan received her first Oscar nomination for her... Read More

    MySHOOT Profiles


    Add A Comment