FTC's Attempt to Block Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Deal Fails
The Federal Trade Commission's efforts to impede Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard have collapsed, following a court ruling.
The ongoing saga involving Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard has taken a significant turn as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) faces a setback. The FTC’s appeal to block the acquisition was denied by an appeals court, which ruled that the initial court had applied the correct legal standards. The case began when the FTC sought a preliminary injunction in June 2023, but their request was rejected, allowing Microsoft to finalize the transaction.
Despite the acquisition being completed, the FTC continued its legal pursuits until today’s ruling, reinforcing that the lower court’s decisions were justified. Although the official merger is complete, the FTC’s administrative process regarding the issue remains ongoing.
In a world where regulatory bodies often clash with major corporations, this development highlights the complexities surrounding massive mergers in the gaming industry.
