BRUSSELS (Reuters) – EU antitrust regulators will decide before March 5 whether to cancel Microsoft’s $ 7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the US technology giant’s largest acquisition of games by compete better with Sony Corp.’s PlayStation.
Microsoft requested approval from the European Commission for the deal on January 29, according to a file on the EU executive’s website.
The EU competition executor may delete the agreement with or without concessions during its preliminary review or may open a large-scale investigation if it has serious concerns.
ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda Softworks, has developed hits like Fallout and Doom. The gaming industry has grown, driven by demand from users trapped at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Foo Yun Chee Reports; edited by Jason Neely