Microsoft President, Brad Smith, is looking to convince European Union antitrust regulators over intentions to purchase Activision Blizzard.
At a closed hearing, Smith will try to make known how the United States software giant’s $69 billion bid for the “Call of Duty” maker will boost competition.
He will lead a delegation of 18 senior executives, including Microsoft Gaming Chief Executive Officer Phil Spencer.
Its CEO, Robert Kotick, will represent the Activision at the hearing.
The hearing will allow Xbox maker, Microsoft to gauge the reaction of senior EU and national competition officials and European Commission lawyers ahead of the submission of remedies to address antitrust concerns.
“I think we will make clear that our acquisition of Activision Blizzard will bring more games to more people on more devices and platforms than ever before,” Smith says.
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The company is willing to address concerns with “Call of Duty” licensing offers similar to the 10-year deal with Nintendo and regulatory undertakings, Smith added.
Microsoft Move To Buy Activision Blizzard
Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Activision in January last year.
This move is a bid to take on leaders, Tencent and Sony.
However, Microsoft has run into regulatory headwinds in Europe, Britain and the United States.
Sony, which wants the deal to be blocked, sent its gaming chief, Jim Ryan, to attend the hearing.
Alphabet’s Google and chip designer and computing firm, Nvidia Corp, also sent a delegation to the hearing. It has a gaming business.
“The European Commission asked for our views in the course of their inquiries into this issue.
“We will continue to cooperate in any processes, when requested, to ensure all views are considered,” a Google spokesperson said.
