A US judge late Tuesday granted the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) request to temporarily block Microsoft Corp’s acquisition of video game maker Activision Blizzard and set a hearing next week.
Microsoft and Activision have until June 16 to submit legal arguments opposing the preliminary injunction. The FTC must respond by June 20. Microsoft and Activision did not immediately comment. The FTC declined to comment.
Deal will benefit gamers and gaming companies alike – Microsoft
Microsoft company wants to acquire Call of Duty videogame maker for about Rs 5,68,800 crore.
The European Union approved the Activision deal in May, but British competition authorities blocked the takeover in April.
Microsoft has said that the deal will benefit gamers and gaming companies alike. The case reflects the muscular approach to antitrust enforcement by the administration of US President Joe Biden. But antitrust experts say convincing a judge to block the FTC deal is a challenge.
