UK Blocks Microsoft’s , Activision Blizzard Deal.<br />UK Blocks Microsoft’s , Activision Blizzard Deal.<br />CNN reports that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the <br />$69 billion acquisition on April 26.<br />CNN reports that the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) blocked the <br />$69 billion acquisition on April 26.<br />The antitrust regulator said it feared the deal <br />would cause "reduced innovation and less choice <br />for U.K. gamers over the years to come.".<br />According to the CMA, Microsoft's 60%-70% global share in cloud gaming would become "even stronger" if the deal was to go through. .<br />According to the CMA, Microsoft's 60%-70% global share in cloud gaming would become "even stronger" if the deal was to go through. .<br />The cloud allows U.K. gamers <br />to avoid buying expensive gaming consoles and PCs and gives them much more flexibility and choice <br />as to how they play. , Competition and Markets Authority, via statement.<br />The cloud allows U.K. gamers <br />to avoid buying expensive gaming consoles and PCs and gives them much more flexibility and choice <br />as to how they play. , Competition and Markets Authority, via statement.<br />Allowing Microsoft to take such a strong position in the cloud gaming market just as it begins to grow rapidly would risk undermining the innovation that is crucial to the development of <br />these opportunities, Competition and Markets Authority, via statement.<br />The evidence available… indicates that, absent the merger, Activision would start providing games via cloud platforms in the foreseeable future, Competition and Markets Authority, via statement.<br />The CMA estimates that by 2026, the U.K. cloud gaming market may be worth about $1.2 billion.<br />Microsoft and Activision both plan <br />to appeal the regulator's decision.<br />Microsoft and Activision both plan <br />to appeal the regulator's decision.<br />Alongside Microsoft, we can and will contest this decision, and we’ve already begun the work to appeal to the U.K. Competition Appeals Tribunal, Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard CEO, via statement.<br />This decision appears to reflect a flawed understanding of the market and the way the relevant cloud technology actually works, Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, via statement.<br />CNN reports that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, which sued to block the deal in December, will conduct a hearing in August