Microsoft chief Brad Smith was angered by the UK Competition Authority’s (CMA) decision to block Activision’s purchase of Blizzard King, which shook the company’s confidence in the region’s ambitions for tech innovation.
In a conversation with the BBC, Smith did not mince words, saying that blocking the merger would discourage investment in the United Kingdom and that Microsoft had experienced its worst day in its entire history in the region.
“The strong message sent by the CMA is not to surprise everyone who expected this acquisition, but to send a message that I think will encourage innovation and investment in the UK.” Smith said.
“I have to say that this decision is the darkest time in our four decades in the UK. It shakes our confidence in the future prospect of growing technology business in the UK, more than anything we have faced before.”
The CMA’s Sarah Gardell told the BBC that she disagreed with Smith and said the decision showed how important it was to support competition in the UK and keep the region open for business and investment.
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