FTC continues its fight against Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition by lodging appeal
One final effort
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The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun its appeal against a recent court ruling in favor ofMicrosoft’s purchase of ActivisionBlizzard.
Microsoft’s intended acquisition of Activision Blizzard has come undera great deal of scrutinyfrom governments the world over. Despite this,Microsoft won its battle with the FTC, a federal judge ruling in favor of the legality of the acquisition. However, despite Judge Corley’s ruling, the FTC has filed a fullnotice of appeal, in an attempt to commence steps towards reversing the decision.
In order for the appeal to progress any further, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will need to issue an emergency stay to extend the temporary restraining order responsible for blocking the acquisition in the run-up to the initial case. Though we cannot say for certain whether or not the Ninth Circuit will take this step in the FTC’s favor.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Microsoft still needs to contend with the ruling by the UK government’s Competition and Market Authority (CMA) whichblocked the mergeron the grounds that it would allow Microsoft to cultivate a gaming monopoly. Ironically, Microsoft’s own appeal against the CMA is ongoing within the UK court system.
Microsoft’s acquisition plans have found a warmer reception in other parts of the world.The Chinese government fully approved the deal, while theEU chose to approve the acquisition, albeit with some significant caveats.
At least in public, Microsoft remains confident that the FTC’s appeal will end in much the same way as the initial case. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, stated that “the District Court’s ruling makes crystal clear that this acquisition is good for both competition and consumers… We’re disappointed that the FTC is continuing to pursue what has become a demonstrably weak case” (via The Verge).
In the meantime, the ball remains firmly in the Ninth Circuit’s Court.
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An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.
A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.
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