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Competition And Markets Authority

All articles tagged with #competition and markets authority

technology2 years ago

UK Regulator Outlines Principles for Responsible and Transparent AI Use

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has outlined seven principles to guide the regulation of AI and the companies developing the technology. The focus is on foundation models, such as OpenAI's GPT-4 and Meta's Llama 2, which form the basis for many generative AI applications. The principles include accountability for developers and businesses using these models, ensuring access to necessary resources, offering diverse business models, providing choice and flexibility for users, avoiding anti-competitive actions, and promoting transparency. The CMA aims to protect competition and prevent low-performing AI systems from dominating the market. The principles were developed following an initial review, and the CMA plans to engage with various stakeholders before finalizing its approach.

via The Verge|
#ai-regulation#competition-and-markets-authority#foundation-models
business2 years ago

"Microsoft's Gaming Deal Raises Doubts on UK's Post-Brexit Direction"

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has maintained its decision to block Microsoft's $69 billion bid to acquire Activision Blizzard, but will consider a separate restructured deal proposed by Microsoft. The new proposal involves Activision divesting its cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment, excluding the European Union. The CMA's objection to the deal reflects its tough stance on big technology companies, and the outcome raises doubts about the CMA's power to block megadeals that are not in line with other major jurisdictions. The CMA will review the new proposal and make an announcement by October 18.

via Reuters|
#activision-blizzard#business#cloud-gaming
business2 years ago

UK Regulator Clears UnitedHealth's $1.58 Billion Takeover of EMIS Group and NHS Healthcare Tech Merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared UnitedHealth Group's £1.24 billion ($1.58 billion) acquisition of healthcare technology firm EMIS. The CMA found no competition concerns in the deal between the two specialist healthcare tech and software companies, which provide services to the National Health Service (NHS). The regulator will now consult on its provisional findings before making a final decision by October 5.

via Reuters|
#acquisition#business#competition-and-markets-authority
business2 years ago

"Microsoft and UK Regulator Extend Deadline for Activision Merger Resolution"

Microsoft and the UK's antitrust regulator have been given a two-month pause in their legal battle over Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The Competition Appeal Tribunal wants the regulator to justify the adjournment and provide evidence of a material change in circumstances. Microsoft appealed the regulator's decision to block the merger in April, citing concerns over cloud gaming. The parties involved have requested more time to resolve the issues, with the final decision expected by August 29th.

via Engadget|
#activision-merger#business#competition-and-markets-authority
business2 years ago

"UK Government and Supermarkets Grapple with Profiteering Crisis"

UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons will face a parliamentary committee examining the cost of a weekly shop. MPs will question senior supermarket bosses about food and fuel price inflation, asking if prices will come down this year. The Competition and Markets Authority is examining the issue of high food prices. Supermarkets deny they are profiteering from high prices and claim their profits are being squeezed. The grocers say they are cutting prices where they can, arguing falls in commodity prices take time to filter through to the consumer.

via BBC|
#business#competition-and-markets-authority#food-prices
business2 years ago

Microsoft's UK plans for Activision Blizzard deal in jeopardy.

Microsoft is reportedly considering pulling Activision Blizzard from the UK market as a way to bypass the Competition and Markets Authority's block on the acquisition deal. Microsoft's president Brad Smith will meet with legal representatives this week to discuss ways to counter the ruling, including potentially bypassing the UK or withdrawing Activision from the UK market. Smith will also meet with UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to voice his frustration over the CMA's decision.

via TrueAchievements|
#acquisition#activision-blizzard#business
business2 years ago

"Activision Blizzard Considers Exiting UK for Microsoft Merger"

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are reportedly considering options to close their merger deal despite the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocking the acquisition and preventing the companies from merging for the next 10 years. One option being considered is for Activision Blizzard to leave the U.K., move operations somewhere within the EU, and sell games in the U.K. via a distributor. Microsoft could also extend more remedies to the CMA, but that's unlikely to sway the regulator. The company is currently appealing the CMA's decision.

via PlayStation LifeStyle|
#activision-blizzard#business#competition-and-markets-authority
business2 years ago

Microsoft seeks ways to finalize Activision deal despite UK opposition

Microsoft is reportedly exploring legal options to close its $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard, even if it cannot overturn the UK regulator's opposition. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal in late April to prevent alleged competition issues in the cloud gaming market. Microsoft has filed an appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), though even if it succeeds with the appeal, the ball will roll back to the CMA anyway. Some lawyers were hired and tasked to investigate options, including Activision removing itself from the UK or forcefully closing the transaction and challenging the final CMA veto in court.

via Wccftech|
#activision-blizzard#business#competition-and-markets-authority
business2 years ago

Microsoft's Xbox-Activision merger faces legal hurdles in UK and Europe.

Microsoft has filed an appeal against the UK's Competition and Markets Authority's decision to block its $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard, citing concerns over competition in the cloud gaming market. The EU approved the deal earlier this month after Microsoft proposed remedies, but the UK regulator vetoed it in April. Microsoft has also appealed the US Federal Trade Commission's decision to block the deal. The appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal is not an opportunity for Microsoft to submit new remedies.

via Reuters|
#activision-blizzard#appeal#business
business2 years ago

Microsoft's UK deal with Activision Blizzard under scrutiny by EU and UK officials.

An official from the European Union has stated that the UK regulator, Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), had overstated Microsoft's market share in the cloud gaming market as it included Xbox Game Pass subscribers who don't use cloud gaming. The official added that the cloud gaming market isn't a separate market in the video game industry, but is instead a small segment of the overall gaming market. The European Union recently approved Microsoft's $67.8 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

via VGChartz|
#activision-blizzard#business#cloud-gaming
business2 years ago

EU Official Disputes CMA's Claim on Microsoft's Cloud Gaming Market Share

An EU official has criticized the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for overstating Microsoft's share in the cloud gaming market, which was a key factor in the CMA's decision to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The EU official argued that the CMA included many Game Pass subscribers who don't actually use cloud services in its calculations. The EU has approved the acquisition with remedies, including a free 10-year license for all providers to stream Activision Blizzard games, which could benefit the small cloud gaming market. Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will have to appeal to the CA Tribunal as the CMA maintains its position.

via Wccftech|
#activision-blizzard#business#cloud-gaming
business2 years ago

Microsoft Enlists Top Lawyer to Appeal UK's Block of Activision Blizzard Merger

Microsoft is set to appeal against the UK regulator's decision to block its $67.8 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The appeal will be lodged at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in the coming days and is expected to take several months. Microsoft has hired lawyer Daniel Beard KC, who has previously overturned multi-billion dollar penalties levied on Apple and Intel by the EU. The deal is also facing issues with the US Federal Trade Commission, who filed an antitrust lawsuit in December of last year.

via VGChartz|
#activision-blizzard#antitrust-lawsuit#business
gaming2 years ago

Microsoft's Activision takeover faces hurdles and appeals in multiple regions.

There is no evidence that Activision Blizzard's games will be available on cloud gaming platforms anytime soon, according to Boosteroid's Head of Strategic Communications. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority's decision to block the Microsoft/Activision Blizzard merger is likely to slow the innovation and development of cloud gaming. The CMA claims that the positive impact of Microsoft's deals with cloud gaming platforms is highly uncertain due to undisclosed clauses and provisions. Microsoft intends to fight for the deal's approval, but the acquisition is not the entirety of its gaming strategy. The EU's decision on the matter is expected to be made official in late May.

via Wccftech|
#activision-blizzard#boosteroid#cloud-gaming
gaming2 years ago

"Microsoft's Activision deal faces roadblocks and uncertain future"

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has stated that the company will appeal the UK Competition & Markets Authority's decision to block the $68.7 billion deal to buy Activision Blizzard. Spencer believes that the cloud gaming market is only just getting started, which makes the decision puzzling. Microsoft is seeking approval from about 14 jurisdictions, and so far, nine have approved it. Spencer also reiterated that Microsoft does not necessarily need Activision Blizzard to deliver on its strategy, but it would help speed things up.

via GameSpot|
#activision-blizzard#cloud-gaming#competition-and-markets-authority
business2 years ago

Microsoft's Gaming Deals and Disputes: Insights and Implications.

Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop, said the UK games sector was in favour of Microsoft's bid for US firm Activision being approved, and it would be "odd" if the UK was the only place to object. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the deal, saying it was concerned the deal would offer reduced innovation and less choice for gamers in the fast-growing cloud gaming business. Both Microsoft and Activision have said they will appeal against the CMA's decision.

via BBC|
#activision#business#competition-and-markets-authority