BRUSSELS (Reuters) – EU antitrust regulators will decide by March 5 whether to release the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, for $ 7.5 billion, the largest game acquisition by the US tech giant to compete better with the PlayStation’s Sony Corp.
Microsoft requested the European Commission’s approval for the deal on January 29, showed a file on the EU executive’s website.
The EU’s antitrust officer can approve the deal with or without concessions during its preliminary review or can open a large-scale investigation if it has serious concerns.
ZeniMax, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, has developed hits like Fallout and Doom. The gaming industry skyrocketed, driven by the demand for users trapped at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; edition by Jason Neely