The opposition towards Microsoft’s $69 Billion deal seems to be going strong, despite protests. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been one of the more vocal opponents of the acquisition since its initial announcement. In recent news, the government agency announced the revival of its lawsuit against the deal that has struggled to get off the ground.
Previously, the FTC’s trial was paused following an evidence hearing in July where FTC chair Lina Khan was grilled by Representative Kevin Kiley, claiming that the agency was wasting taxpayer money on the opposition of the acquisition.
“You seem to be losing quite a bit, and I don’t say that to be disrespectful, but these are, after all, taxpayer funds,” said Kiley. “You are now 0-4 in merger trials. The average win rate for the FTC in the modern antitrust era is around 75 percent. So I have to ask, why are you losing so much?”
Additionally, the agency’s UK counterpart, the Competition Markets Authority (CMA), recently tentatively approved the merger after its long opposition of the deal due to its concerns over cloud gaming. This decision has allowed a clear path for the deal to be finalized by October 18th.
Until then, the FTC will need to conduct its trial in order to have any effect on the acquisition’s eligibility. Unfortunately for them, support towards their lawsuit has radically dwindled.
CCO and EVP of Activision-Blizzard Lulu Chen Meservey stated on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the company was focusing its efforts on closing the deal with Microsoft rather than the FTC’s proceedings.
Before the FTC’s new evidentiary hearing can begin, the agency needs the opinion of the United States Court of Appeals. Once given, the hearing will commence twenty-one days later.
Microsoft’s Activision-Blizzard deal has been approved in the European Union, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Serbia, Chile, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, New Zealand and China.