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

After a lot of roadblocks, Microsoft was finally able to complete its $69 billion acquisition deal with Activision Blizzard. The FTC set hindrances in this deal and had ordered a temporary restraining order for it since the start. But the Xbox makers proved to the judges the deal was on justified grounds and got the victory.

Although FTC can challenge the decision again but looks like Microsoft is wrapping up the deal at the first chance it is getting. Recent reports point out that Microsoft might be looking to finalize the Activision Blizzard acquisition deal as soon as the temporary restraining order expires. The Xbox fans have taken this news in a positive light.

Xbox makers looking to finalize the Activision Blizzard acquisition

According to a recent Yahoo! Finance report, Activision Blizzard will leave the NASDAQ-100 stock index on July 17, 2023. Activision Blizzard has been replaced on the Nasdaq-100 Index, the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted Index, and the Nasdaq-100 Ex-Tech Sector Index by The Trade Desk, Inc. Furthermore, before the market starts on July 17, the studio will be fully removed from the Nasdaq-100 ESG Index.

All this information might be pointing toward Xbox’s attempt to close the acquisition by July 17. For now, the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is holding the deal back. The TRO will expire on July 14. After that, CMA and FTC’s re-appeal to the court will be the only roadblock that will remain in this deal. However, Microsoft and CMA officials are in talks to sort out the issues between them outside of the court.

Read More: “Next 10 Years Will Be One Hell of A Rollercoaster”: Fans Predict Activision Deal To Be A Major Game Changer In the Industry, PlayStation & Xbox To Begin Gaming Acquisition War?

As for the FTC’s re-appeal, both Microsoft and Activision higher-ups have criticized this step. Microsoft’s President Brad Smith said, “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, and we will oppose further efforts to delay the ability to move forward”. CEO of Activision, Bobby Kotick, also has similar views on this. He supported Smith by saying stated that the FTC’s attempt to appeal the ruling is wasting taxpayer’s money.

What are your thoughts on Microsoft looking to close the Activision deal by June 17, 2023? Let us know in the comments section below.

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