Riled Microsoft president slams CMA decision as “Bad for Britain”

2 min. read

Published onApril 27, 2023

published onApril 27, 2023

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft President and Vice Chairman Brad Smith has blasted the CMA for its decision yesterday toblock Microsoft’s $68 billion acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard King.

In an interview with theBBC podcast Wake up to Money, Smith expressed his disappointment with the U.K. regulatory agency, callingWednesday’s announcement“probably the darkest day in our four decades in Britain and adding,

It does more than shake our confidence in the future of the opportunity to grow a technology business in Britain than we’ve ever confronted before.

He also called the CMA decision “bad for Britain,” adding that it sends a message “that will discourage innovation and investment in the United Kingdom.”

Unsurprisingly, the CMA disagrees with Smith. CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell said in a statement toToday,

I think this decision shows actually how important it is to support competition in the UK and that the UK is absolutely open for business.

We want to create an environment where a whole host of different companies can compete effectively, can grow and innovate.”

Microsoft has already stated its intention to appeal the decision. The European Commission in Brussels has until May 22 to deliver its own conclusion on the merger. And in the U.S.the FTC has filed a lawsuit to block the deal. Regardless of the outcomes of these various hurdles, the CMA decision deals a major blow to Microsoft’s chances of closing the buyout if it is not ultimately reversed.

ViaBBC.

Robert Collins

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Robert Collins

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Riled Microsoft president slams CMA decision as “Bad for Britain”#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Riled Microsoft president slams CMA decision as “Bad for Britain”