DON'T WATCH THIS! | Xbox, Activision, and EU Phase 2 Escalation (VL737)

Key Points

• The European Commission's decision to proceed with a phase 2 investigation into Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard was anticipated, as large-scale tech mergers often raise serious doubts about market competition.
• Microsoft chose not to offer concessions to the EU regulators during the phase 1 review, preferring to negotiate only after a detailed investigation reveals specific regulatory concerns.
• The European Union's merger review process involves a detailed phase 2 investigation where regulators will issue a statement of objections and provide opportunities for the merging parties to respond and request an oral hearing.