Microsoft has just taken another huge step in their effort to close the deal on acquiring Activision Blizzard. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has officially suspended their administrative challenge to Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard, which was part of two-sides attack on both entities in order to hamper the deal. This particular piece began back in December when they filed a lawsuit against the purchase, and was initially scheduled to have a trial date set for next month on August 2.
It’s important to note that this isn’t a full cancelation of the suit. Should the FTC decide to continue this effort against Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, then they would more than likely obtain a new trial date. However, the fact that the FTC is even doing this at all is a great sign for Microsoft as it potentially means that both parties could reach a settlement and allow the purchase to commence. This is also made even more evident due to the FTC’s failing second attack plan which was pushed alongside the preliminary injunction which was denied by Federal Judge, appealed by the FTC, then lost the request to put an emergency hold on the deal. Oh and let’s not forget that group of Republican Members of Congress issued a letter to the FTC calling for them to drop all suits against it.
As for the deal itself, Microsoft’s deadline to fully acquire Activision Blizzard was extended to October 2023, giving both parties a little more time to hash out any issues before completing the purchase. Speaking of which, the Supreme Court recently denied group of gamers in their attempt to stop the deal, and Sony came to an agreement with Microsoft that would keep Call of Duty on the PlayStation for the foreseeable future. Should the FTC completely withdraw their opposition to the deal, then all that remains is the UK Watchdog Committee.