FTC Fails in Bid to Block Microsoft-Activision Merger

Microsoft has achieved another significant legal victory against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its efforts to finalize the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco denied the FTC's appeal to block Microsoft's monumental $69 billion deal, announced back in late 2022, as reported by Reuters. This decision by a three-judge panel effectively concluded the FTC's challenge to the July 2023 decision that allowed Microsoft to proceed with the purchase.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been under intense scrutiny for over three years, with opposition initially coming from certain U.S. Senators who raised concerns about the increasing consolidation within the tech industry. The acquisition sparked fears among competitors and gamers that iconic franchises like Call of Duty might become exclusive to Microsoft platforms. However, Microsoft alleviated these concerns by stating that it had no interest in enforcing lengthy exclusivity periods for any franchises.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

View 70 ImagesDespite ongoing challenges throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October of the same year. The FTC's failed appeal could have posed a significant hurdle to the seamless continuation of business, but with the appeal now dismissed, it appears that the FTC's pursuit has come to an end.

For a detailed timeline of Microsoft's journey to finalize its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, you can click here.