“It Benefits Everyone” – Microsoft President Optimistic as FTC Requests Temporary Restraining Order to Halt $69 Billion Deal of Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

While fans will be elated by the banger showcase of Xbox Games Showcase 2023, the parent company of the console makers has hit a snag. For quite a while, Microsoft has been trying to acquire Activision Blizzard. Activision Blizzard is popular for creating some of the best-selling titles like Call of Duty and Overwatch. If the merger is successful in crossing the finish line, it will be the most expensive video game acquisition in history.

However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has now announced some counter-productive news for this merger. Following this news, all fans are looking at the next step for Microsoft and Activision Blizzard.

FTC announces a request to prevent Microsoft and Activision Blizzard’s merger

The FTC recently revealed that they have requested a temporary restraining order to prevent Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. FTC released a statement to IGN saying, “Microsoft and Activision Blizzard have represented in the past that they cannot close their deal due to antitrust reviews of the transaction in other jurisdictions.”

This comes as a hit for Xbox creators as earlier CMA had extended a block on the acquisition. However, both parties in the merger are taking this decision in a positive light. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick sent out a letter calling this “A welcome update”. The Call of Duty creators are ready to present their case in court.

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Furthermore, Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, also welcomed this decision like Kotick. “This benefits everyone,” he tweeted, “We always prefer constructive and amicable paths with governments but have confidence in our case and look forward to presenting it.”

With Microsoft and Activision Blizzard accepting this decision, it looks like they are ready to complete their $69 billion merger. This merger has been in the works since January 2022. However, in December FTC sued Microsoft to halt the deal from happening. FTC argues the merger will lead to unhealthy competition in the gaming industry as the Xbox makers will gain control of top video game franchises. They feared this would lead to Microsoft degrading rivals due to unfair share in the gaming industry.

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What are your thoughts on the FTC issuing a temporary restraining order on Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard? Let us know in the comments section below.