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Cma

All articles tagged with #cma

business1 month ago•16 min saved

UK Regulator Seeks Views on Paramount-WBD Merger Ahead of Probe

Britain’s antitrust watchdog (the CMA) opened an information‑gathering step by inviting comments from interested parties on Paramount Global’s $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery ahead of a possible formal probe; the CMA has not launched a formal investigation yet, and comments are due by April 27. Paramount and WBD have been contacted for comment, and regulatory interest follows public letters from industry figures opposing the deal.

via Deadline|

#business #cma #merger

business1 month ago•2 min saved

UK regulator launches strategic probe into Microsoft’s enterprise software licensing

Britain’s CMA has opened a strategic market status investigation into Microsoft’s enterprise software licensing in cloud, aiming to address concerns about licensing practices and preserve competition as AI features are integrated into business tools; the designation signals closer scrutiny without alleging wrongdoing, with Microsoft and AWS already engaging on cloud egress and interoperability.

via CNBC|

#business #cloud #cma

business2 months ago•3 min saved

CMA expands fake-review probe to Just Eat and Autotrader

Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority has opened a probe into five firms— including Just Eat and Autotrader—over potential breaches of consumer law related to how online reviews are obtained, moderated and presented; the other targets are funeral firm Dignity, review platform Feefo and Pasta Evangelists, with the CMA stressing it has not ruled on any violations.

via BBC|

#autotrader #business #cma

energy2 months ago•21 min saved

UK urged to cap energy profits during crises to shield households

Richard Walker urged a temporary profit cap on energy producers and retailers during crises to prevent windfall gains as households face higher bills amid Middle East tensions; the proposal would be targeted, not permanent, and could go beyond current windfall taxes, with Downing Street and the CMA weighing stronger powers, while critics warn such controls could dampen investment and threaten long‑term energy security.

via Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com|

#cma #energy #energy-profits

technology7 months ago•2 min saved

UK watchdog scrutinizes Google’s dominance in search and ads

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has designated Google with 'strategic market status,' potentially leading to changes that increase user choice in search engines, amid concerns over Google's market dominance and efforts to promote competition. Google warns that such measures could hinder innovation, while consumer groups see this as a positive step towards addressing Google's dominance in search.

via BBC|

#cma #google #regulation

technology11 months ago•3 min saved

UK regulators may require Google to alter search practices and rankings

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Google for potentially holding too much market power in online search, which could lead to mandated changes such as offering users a choice of search engines and increased transparency, aiming to boost competition and consumer choice in the UK search market.

via BBC|

#cma #google #regulation

entertainment1 year ago•1 min saved

Beyoncé Secures First Country Music Award at Billboard Music Awards

Beyoncé won her first country music award at the Billboard Music Awards, taking home the trophy for top country female artist. Despite being snubbed by the Country Music Association, Beyoncé's win marks her 17th Billboard award. She was also nominated for top dance/electronic artist and top country album but lost to Charli XCX and Zach Bryan. Beyoncé's involvement in country music has been a topic of discussion, with figures like Billy Ray Cyrus and Dolly Parton weighing in on her contributions to the genre.

via TMZ|

#awards #beyonce #billboard-music-awards

business1 year ago•3 min saved

UK Regulators Approve Vodafone-Three $19B Merger

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has approved the $19 billion merger between Vodafone and Three, subject to conditions including significant investment in a 5G network and capping certain mobile tariffs. The merger will create a new market leader with 29 million customers, with Vodafone holding a 51% stake. The deal, expected to complete by 2025, aims to boost competition and improve network infrastructure, though its full benefits may take years to materialize.

via CNBC|

#5g #business #cma

technology1 year ago•2 min saved

UK Probes Microsoft's Hiring of AI Startup Staff

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether Microsoft's hiring of key staff from AI start-up Inflection AI constitutes a merger that could reduce competition. Microsoft argues that hiring talent promotes competition and should not be seen as a merger. The CMA will decide by September 11 whether to clear the transaction or proceed with a more in-depth investigation.

via BBC.com|

#ai #cma #inflection-ai

businesstechnology1 year ago•2 min saved

UK Probes Microsoft Over Hiring Inflection AI Staff

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether Microsoft's hiring of Mustafa Suleyman and other key employees from AI startup Inflection constitutes a merger that could reduce competition in the AI sector. The CMA will decide by September 11 whether to proceed with a more in-depth "Phase 2" investigation. Microsoft maintains that the hiring promotes competition and is not a merger.

via CNBC|

#ai-competition #businesstechnology #cma

business-and-finance2 years ago•1 min saved

"Microsoft's Brad Smith Acknowledges CMA's Rigorous Fairness in Activision Acquisition"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has revised his stance on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), now calling it "tough and fair" in its handling of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Initially critical of the CMA's intervention, Smith acknowledges the regulatory body pushed Microsoft to modify its deal, particularly concerning cloud gaming rights. The acquisition, which faced over a year of regulatory scrutiny, was completed last October, significantly expanding Microsoft's gaming portfolio with franchises like Call of Duty and the addition of Candy Crush maker King.

via Video Games Chronicle|

##activisionblizzard #business-and-finance

business-and-finance2 years ago•2 min saved

Microsoft President Changes Tune, Praises UK Regulator's 'Tough and Fair' Stance on Activision Deal

Microsoft President Brad Smith acknowledged the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as "tough and fair" for its initial stance against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The CMA's scrutiny led to Microsoft altering its proposal, including spinning out certain rights to address cloud gaming concerns. After negotiations, Microsoft committed to a £2.5bn investment in UK AI infrastructure and revised its acquisition proposal, which was eventually approved. Microsoft completed the purchase of Activision Blizzard for $68.7bn, gaining titles like Call of Duty and Candy Crush Saga.

via Eurogamer.net|

##activisionblizzard #business-and-finance

business-and-finance2 years ago•2 min saved

"Microsoft President Reconciles with UK CMA Post Activision Deal Approval"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has shifted his stance on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), now calling it "tough and fair" after the CMA's stringent standards forced Microsoft to restructure its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Initially, Smith was critical of the CMA for blocking the $68.7 billion deal, but concessions made by Microsoft, particularly regarding cloud gaming rights, led to the deal's approval in the UK. Despite the change in tone from Microsoft, the CMA criticized the company's previous engagement tactics. Meanwhile, the deal still faces challenges in the US, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continuing its pursuit against the acquisition.

via The Verge|

##activisionblizzard #business-and-finance

business2 years ago•2 min saved

UK Minister Stands Firm on CMA's Block of MS/ABK

UK business minister Kemi Badenoch defends the Competition and Market Authority's decision to block the Microsoft-Activision deal, disagreeing with Microsoft president Brad Smith's comment that the block is "bad for Britain." Badenoch argues that the CMA's decision is not an outlier and that it is important for the UK to make decisions that are right for them. Smith criticizes the CMA's ruling, stating that it discourages innovation and investment in the UK.

via GamesIndustry.biz|

#activision #brad-smith #business

business2 years ago•1 min saved

Delays and Hurdles Surround Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

The UK High Court has formally paused the UK Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) block of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, allowing more time for negotiations. The CMA had initially blocked the acquisition in April but has since found common ground with Microsoft. This ruling puts a hold on legal proceedings, indicating that an agreement between the two sides is likely. The CMA's decision to reassess the acquisition is unusual, and it is speculated that it aims to save face and secure concessions from Microsoft.

via Thurrott.com|

#acquisition #activision-blizzard #business