Activision Blizzard has hired a big gun to lead its fight against the blocking of its takeover by Microsoft at the hands of the UK’s CMA.
David Pannick KC, who recently was involved in Boris Johnson’s “party gate” probe, will head the Call of Duty video game maker’s legal challenge at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, according to the FT.
Britain’s competition watchdog sparked uproar when it ruled that Microsoft taking over Activision would give it an unfair advantage in the gaming market.
Bobby Kotick, the California-based firm’s chief executive dismissed Britain as shut for business after the ruling while Microsoft said the move “discourages technology innovation and investment”.
As well as advising Johnson over Partygate, Pannick worked for the government in its legal battle over its plans to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda.
Microsoft has reportedly hired its own top KC, Daniel Beard, and will take on the CMA independently.
Europe’s verdict on the deal from the European Commission might be published as early as next week, said the report.