Activision Blizzard Enlists Lord Pannick KC in Battle Over $69 Billion Microsoft Deal

Renowned for his exceptional legal skills and history of representing high-profile clients, Lord Pannick's recent involvement in defending former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the controversial "Partygate" investigation has once again highlighted his expertise in navigating complex legal disputes. Notably, Pannick's successful representation of Queen Elizabeth in a case against the Daily Mirror back in 2003 showcased his ability to secure favorable outcomes for his clients in high-stakes situations. Most recently, Pannick has been retained by Activision Blizzard in response to the UK Competition and Markets Authority's decision to block the $69 billion merger with Microsoft.

Activision Blizzard's CEO, Bobby Kotick, has expressed a strong desire to challenge the ruling and proceed with what would be the largest deal in the video game industry. The decision to enlist Pannick's services demonstrates Activision Blizzard's unwavering commitment to contesting the CMA's decision. With the complexity of the appeals process highlighted by Professor Suzanne Rab, a competition law expert, it is evident that challenging regulatory authorities can be a daunting task.

However, the decision to engage a legal heavyweight like Pannick signals Activision Blizzard's determination to see the merger through despite the hurdles they may face. The CMA's influence over global mergers involving foreign entities has been underscored by this latest development, serving as a reminder to companies of the regulatory landscape they operate in and the challenges they may encounter when navigating such complex legal matters.