FTC Loses Bid to Stop Microsoft-Activision Deal

Microsoft has scored another legal win against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its bid to acquire Activision Blizzard.

A federal appeals court in San Francisco rejected the FTC's challenge to Microsoft's $69 billion merger deal today, solidifying an acquisition first proposed in January 2022 (as reported by Reuters). The three-judge panel's ruling ends FTC objections to last summer's decision permitting Microsoft to close its purchase.

The Activision Blizzard deal has drawn regulatory scrutiny worldwide for over three years. Several U.S. senators initially voiced concerns about tech industry consolidation as Microsoft expanded its gaming portfolio. Amid worries that franchise exclusivity might limit platform availability, Microsoft consistently maintained its commitment to multiplatform releases for major titles like Call of Duty.

Complete List of Video Game IPs Now Under Xbox Following Activision Blizzard Acquisition

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After facing regulatory hurdles throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully closed the Activision Blizzard acquisition in October. The FTC's appeal represented the final potential obstacle, and with its failure, Microsoft appears to have cleared all legal challenges.

For detailed coverage of Microsoft's acquisition journey, follow this timeline.