Microsoft has achieved another significant milestone in its journey to acquire Activision Blizzard, overcoming legal challenges posed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Today, the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the FTC's appeal to halt Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition—a decision that solidifies a deal initially announced in late 2022 (via Reuters). A three-judge panel reached this verdict, effectively concluding the FTC's efforts to challenge the July 2023 ruling that permitted Microsoft to complete the purchase.
Since the acquisition was first proposed over three years ago, Microsoft has encountered extensive scrutiny from various quarters. Prominent U.S. Senators were among the early critics, raising concerns about the growing consolidation within the tech industry as Microsoft expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Meanwhile, both competitors and gamers expressed fears that the merger could lead to popular franchises like Call of Duty being locked behind exclusivity periods. In response, Microsoft assured stakeholders that it had no intention of restricting certain franchises to Xbox platforms alone.
Every Video Game Franchise Xbox Owns Following the Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
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Despite persistent obstacles throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully finalized its acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October. The FTC's last-minute appeal threatened to disrupt ongoing operations, but its failure marks the end of a lengthy legal battle. For a comprehensive timeline of Microsoft's efforts to conclude this acquisition, click here.
