The FTC Is Trying To Stop The Microsoft, Activision Blizzard Deal Again

thegamer.com:

Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard appears to have hit yet another significant roadblock. The Federal Trade Commission is already suing to block the merger from going ahead, but to make matters worse for Microsoft, it is now believed the FTC has filed for an injunction that would block the deal before its July 18 deadline.

That's according to a new report from CNBC. The site reports a source close to the situation has revealed the latest development in what has become a longer and more difficult journey than all parties involved likely envisioned. Announcing plans for the almost-$70 billion merger back at the start of 2022, it's going to be well over 18 months before any of this is sorted.

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It being sorted may well mean the deal isn't allowed to be exacted at all as this latest move from the FTC is just the latest stumbling block for Microsoft and Activision. The FTC's initial move to scupper the merger is still in motion. However, the case won't be presented to the FTC's internal judge until August, after the aforementioned deadline has passed.

Even if the first judge blocks the acquisition from going through, Microsoft can, and almost definitely will should the situation call for it, appeal the decision. That will tack even more months onto what has already been a lengthy process with no end in sight. The FTC seemingly filing for an injunction before that process has reached its conclusion will only make Microsoft and Activision's job even more difficult.

News that the FTC is attempting to further make sure the deal gets blocked comes after the UK's CMA went one step further and outright prevented the acquisition from