Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed a major overhaul of its antitrust laws in response to the Microsoft-Activision merger.
The CMA’s proposed changes would give it more power to investigate and block mergers that could harm competition. The CMA is concerned that the Microsoft-Activision merger could harm competition in the gaming industry, and it wants to ensure that the merger does not lead to higher prices or reduced choice for consumers.
The CMA’s proposed changes include:
- Giving the CMA the power to investigate mergers even if they do not meet the current turnover threshold.
- Making it easier for the CMA to block mergers that could harm competition.
- Requiring companies to provide more information to the CMA when they are seeking to merge.
The CMA’s proposed changes are a significant step towards reforming Britain’s antitrust laws. The current laws are outdated and do not give the CMA the power it needs to protect consumers from anti-competitive mergers.
The CMA’s proposed changes have been welcomed by consumer groups and some businesses. However, some businesses have expressed concern that the changes could make it more difficult for them to merge.
The CMA is now consulting on its proposed changes. The consultation will close on January 19, 2024. The CMA will then make a decision on whether to implement the changes.
The CMA’s proposed changes are part of a wider effort to reform Britain’s competition laws. The government is also considering reforms to the CMA’s enforcement powers and its role in regulating digital markets.
Highlights
- The CMA is proposing a major overhaul of its antitrust laws.
- The proposed changes would give the CMA more power to investigate and block mergers that could harm competition.
- The CMA is concerned about the potential impact of the Microsoft-Activision merger on competition.
- The CMA’s proposed changes have been welcomed by consumer groups and some businesses.
- The CMA is now consulting on its proposed changes.
Additional Information:
- The CMA is an independent body that investigates mergers, markets, and anti-competitive behavior.
- The CMA has a wide range of powers to protect consumers and businesses from anti-competitive behavior.
- The CMA is accountable to the UK Parliament.
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