UK regulator to conduct in-depth probe into Nvidia-Arm deal

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, or CMA, received a directive to conduct an in-depth phase two investigation into Nvidia Corp.'s proposed acquisition of Arm Ltd.

U.K. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries ordered the second-level probe amid competition and national security concerns, according to a Nov. 16 news release.

The CMA's initial probe into the Nvidia-Arm deal found the possibility of a "substantial lessening of competition" across data centers, the internet of things, automotive and gaming applications.

The U.K. competition regulator will have at least 24 weeks to conduct its investigation and to provide a final report to Secretary Dorries. The probe may also be extended for eight weeks.