FTC Fails to Block Microsoft's Activision Blizzard Acquisition in Appeal

Microsoft has achieved another significant legal victory against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its efforts to finalize the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco denied the FTC's appeal to block Microsoft's monumental $69 billion deal, as reported by Reuters. This decision, made by a three-judge panel, effectively ends the FTC's challenge to the July 2023 decision that initially allowed Microsoft to proceed with the purchase, which was originally announced in late 2022.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft has been under intense scrutiny for over three years. Early opposition came from select U.S. Senators who raised concerns about the increasing consolidation within the tech industry as Microsoft expanded its portfolio. Both competitors and gamers expressed worries that popular franchises like Call of Duty might become exclusive to Microsoft platforms. However, Microsoft alleviated these concerns by stating that it had no interest in barring certain franchises behind lengthy exclusivity periods.

Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns After Acquiring Activision Blizzard

View 70 ImagesDespite ongoing challenges throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully completed its purchase of Activision Blizzard in October of that year. The FTC's appeal posed a potential late obstacle to normal operations, but with its rejection, the FTC's pursuit appears to have concluded.

For a comprehensive timeline of Microsoft's journey to finalize the Activision Blizzard acquisition, you can click here.