Advanced Television

Competition and Markets Authority

Microsoft/Activision deal gets CMA OK

The new deal for Microsoft to buy Activision without cloud gaming rights has been cleared by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) after the regulator concluded it would preserve competitive prices and better services. In August 2023, Microsoft made a concession that would see Ubisoft, instead of Microsoft, buy Activision’s cloud gaming rights. This […]

October 13, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA consults on Vodafone/Three merger

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is providing an early opportunity for interested third parties to comment on the impact that the proposed merger between mobile telcos Vodafone and Three could have on competition in the UK, in advance of launching a formal investigation once it has received the information it needs from the […]

October 11, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA set to clear Microsoft, Activision deal

The sale of Activision’s cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft substantially addresses previous concerns and opens the door to Microsoft’s acquisition of the games maker being cleared, according to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). While the CMA has identified limited residual concerns with the new deal, Microsoft has put forward remedies which the CMA […]

September 22, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA provisionally clears Broadcom/VMware deal

A UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) panel has provisionally found software solutions specialist  Broadcom’s $61 billion (€57bn) acquisition of enterprise software provider VMware would not weaken competition in the supply of critical computer server products. The announcement follows a similar ruling on July 13th from the European Commission. Following its initial Phase 1 investigation, […]

July 19, 2023By Colin Mann

US court boost for Microsoft/Activision deal

The chances of Microsoft taking over video games publisher Activision Blizzard have been boosted after a US judge rejected a request from US regulators to block the deal. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked a judge to block Microsoft’s $69 billion (€63.9bn) takeover suggesting the deal could “substantially lessen competition” in the sector. Judge […]

July 12, 2023By Colin Mann

UK blocks Microsoft/Activision deal

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has prevented Microsoft’s proposed purchase of Activision over concerns the deal would alter the future of the fast-growing cloud gaming market, leading to reduced innovation and less choice for UK gamers over the years to come. The final decision to prevent the deal comes after Microsoft’s proposed solution […]

April 26, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA expresses Broadcom/VMWare deal concerns

Broadcom’s $61 billion (€57bn) deal to buy VMware could lead to less innovation and drive up the cost of computer parts used by government, banks and telecoms, according to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Broadcom makes and sells specialist hardware components – such as network interface cards (NICs) and storage adapters – used […]

March 23, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA to review British Sky Broadcasting merger remedy

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is consulting on whether undertakings given by British Sky Broadcasting Group remain appropriate or need to be varied, superseded or released. The consultation will review merger undertakings given by British Sky Broadcasting Group plc in 2001 following a transaction in which it increased its shareholding of British Interactive […]

March 10, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA provisionally clears Viasat/Inmarsat merger

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared the proposed merger between Viasat and Inmarsat following an in-depth review which revealed the business would likely face significant competition from both emerging and established players as the sector expands. While Viasat and Inmarsat compete closely, the merged company would be challenged by new competitor […]

March 1, 2023By Colin Mann

Cardell named CEO of CMA

The UK Business Secretary, Grant Shapps, has appointed Sarah Cardell as the new CEO of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Cardell has held the position of Interim CEO since July 2022 following the departure of Andrea Coscelli. Cardell was previously General Counsel at the CMA with executive leadership responsibility for the CMA’s Legal Service, […]

December 20, 2022