New Ruling In FTC Battle For Activision Blizzard Restrains Microsoft’s Acquisition Plans

When viewing over the war room concerning Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard acquisition plans, the Xbox firm already has a large adversary on one front with the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Previously, the firm deemed the deal to not be a harmful endeavor by the regulator back in March. However, nearly a month later the group decided to outright block the deal afters months of investigation on the matter.

To make things worse, the CMA even filed a new document which further walls chances for Microsoft to pursue the deal when the wounds are still fresh. Amid the backlash from the regulator, the E.U. Commission did approve of the endeavor where CMA also responded to stand its ground. Back on home territory, the FTC is still adamant on its lawsuit against the acquisition as well.

On Tuesday, the FTC was reported to be filing an injunction to further its battle against the Xbox firm, CNBC told. This action is part of the regulators plan to withhold the deal processing before its July 18 deadline. According to a new court document, the FTC was successful in landing a restraining order on the deal delaying further progress for Microsoft.

“Accelerating the legal process in the US will ultimately bring more choice and competition to the gaming market. A temporary restraining order makes sense until we can receive a decision from the Court, which is moving swiftly,” Microsoft spokesperson David Chuddy in a statement to The Verge shares. Microsoft now has less room for negotiations as the future is in the palm of the court.

“The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brings this action for provisional relief pursuant to section 13(b) of the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC Act”) U.S.C. 15 53(b). The FTC seeks a temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction enjoining Defendants Microsoft and Activison from consummation a proposed transaction while the FTC’s administrative review of the transaction is pending,” the document reads. 

What are your thoughts from the Activision Blizzard deal new development?