Can the FTC block Microsoft's ABK acquisition?

1 year 4 months ago

Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activison Blizzard is facing its biggest regulatory hurdle so far: a legal complaint issued by the US' Federal Trade Commission.

While the FTC does not have the authority to approve or disapprove any given merger, the legal proceedings kicked off by this complaint could ultimately lead to the deal being blocked by US courts.

The FTC has cited concerns over the potential for Microsoft to make the best-selling Call of Duty franchise exclusive to its own ecosystem – pointing to the company's decision to do the same with upcoming Bethesda titles such as Starfield – among other things. But the move is also part of a broader clampdown on massive tech mergers.

Read more

Author
James Batchelor