The FTC Officially Files an Appeal Against Microsoft-Activision Court Victory | Push Square
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) isn't giving up without a fight, it seems. After losing its courtroom battle for a preliminary injunction against Microsoft's intended purchase of Activision Blizzard, the government body has officially filed an appeal.
The court's decision in favour of the Redmond corporation's acquisition essentially means it can proceed, although the UK's competition watchdog, the CMA, is still an obstacle. However, the FTC's appeal means it now has an opportunity to convince the appeals court the decision was wrong. A restraining order against action from Microsoft expires 14th July, meaning the company could continue as planned very shortly — unless the appeals court grants an extension to delay things further. The deal's deadline is 18th July.
In a statement to The Verge, Microsoft's Brad Smith is of course firmly against the FTC's appeal: «The District Court’s ruling makes crystal clear that this acquisition is good for both competition and consumers,» he says. «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.»
As mentioned, this legal battle in the US isn't the only thing still in Microsoft's way; the CMA stands by its decision to block the deal, and negotiations between the corporation and the regulator are still at an early stage. And, lest we forget, Canada isn't particularly pleased about the merger either, though has yet to take any major steps against it.
This whole ordeal is far from over — we expect it'll be just as messy and exhausting until the deal is either completed or cancelled.
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