FTC appeals Activision Blizzard ruling amid Microsoft’s disappointment

The FTC has suffered a major setback in court. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley dismissed the regulator’s concerns and gave the green light to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. However, the Federal Trade Commission has filed an appeal in an attempt to reverse the situation, which the Redmond company says is “disappointing”.

In statements to The Verge, Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, has been responsible for verbalizing the company’s feelings about a case that seems to have turned in its favor:

“The District Court’s ruling makes crystal clear that this acquisition is good for both competition and consumers,” said Microsoft’s vice chair and president. “We’re disappointed that the FTC is continuing to pursue what has become a demonstrably weak case, and we will oppose further efforts to delay the ability to move forward.”

The operation is one step closer to completion

If the FTC’s arguments had persuaded the judge, the deal would have been blocked immediately and could not go forward until the agency made that determination. In any case, the injunction expires this Friday, July 14, so unless it is extended, Microsoft will have a free hand to close the deal this weekend. The company plans to invest a total of $69 billion in the acquisition.

The purchase of Activision Blizzard includes the Call of Duty, Blizzard Entertainment and mobile giant King studios. As Blizzard’s president explained, there are currently no plans to release Diablo IV on Xbox Game Pass, although Microsoft’s idea is to include all new games in its subscription service.

The court defeat is also a blow to PlayStation, one of the companies that fought the deal tooth and nail.

Source | The Verge