US Court Denies FTC’s Advances on Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Deal for the Second Time

The Xbox makers, along with Activision Blizzard, had 69 billion reasons to celebrate recently after the court ruled in favor of the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, removing FTC’s temporary restraining order by July 14. This sent a wave of happiness among the fans who were waiting for the fruition of this deal.

Multiple people, like live steamer Amouranth, also benefitted from the deal going through. However, the FTC had one more chance to re-appeal the decision made by the judges on FTC vs Microsoft. But looks like this too has not gone in the way of the Federal Trade Commission.

Judge denies FTC’s re-appeal on the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Deal

In a recent ruling passed out by United States District Judge Jacqueline S. Corley, FTC has faced a setback on their re-appeal. The ruling read, “The FTC asks this Court to enjoin the merger at issue pending resolution of the FTC’s appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The motion is DENIED.” The Microsoft- Activision deal had two remaining roadblocks after the judge ruled in their favor. First from the appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court by FTC and another from CMA blocking the deal in another big gaming market, the UK.

With the first roadblock out of the way, the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard higher-ups will breathe a sigh of relief. Earlier, when FTC applied for reconsideration of the ruling, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick called it a waste of the taxpayer’s money. Microsoft President Brad Smith had similar views on the matter.

Read More: Xbox Makers Looking to Close Activision Blizzard Deal Sooner Than Expected as the Latter’s Stock Is Leaving the NASDAQ-100

The officials at the CMA and Microsoft are also in talks to resolve the issues. Both parties involved in the case are looking to resolve the matter outside the court. “After today’s court decision in the US our focus now turns back to the UK,” Microsoft president Brad Smith said, “While we ultimately disagree with the CMA’s concerns, we are considering how the transaction might be modified to address those concerns in a way that is acceptable to the CMA.”

With talks going on between CMA and Microsoft, it is uncertain what decision they both will agree upon. However, in the US, the FTC appeal has been completely denied by the Ninth Circuit Court. What are your thoughts on the ruling passed? Let us know in the comments section below.

Watch this Story | Starfield VS Fallout 4: Top 5 Glaring Differences Between The Two Titles