FTC Files for Injunction, Seeks to Block Microsoft's Activision-Blizzard Acquisition

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Lawsuit

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested a preliminary injunction to temporarily halt Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard. The FTC has filed a lawsuit to block the merger in December 2022, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on competition in the gaming industry. FTC fears Microsoft could manipulate Activision's gaming products, such as by restricting availability or increasing prices on other platforms, which would harm competitors like Sony.

FTC argues in the complaint:

Both a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction are necessary because Microsoft and Activision have represented that they may consummate the proposed acquisition at any time.


The FTC's temporary injunction attempt aims to prevent Microsoft and Activision from proceeding with the acquisition until the case is fully reviewed. This development comes as the July 18th deadline for the deal approaches. The outcome of the injunction request will determine whether the merger can proceed or whether it will be halted pending further review.

Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision-Blizzard has turned most corners in its favor with Japan, China, Saudi Arab, European Union, Brazil all approved the merger. However, the toughest battlegrounds left are the UK, where the acquisition was rejected in April and Microsoft's home turf the United States where FTC filed the lawsuit to block the merge back in December 2022.

Full Complaint


Sources: 

CNBC

TheVerge

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