Rumor has it that in mid-December, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may block the deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. This does not mean at all that the deal will definitely not take place, in the case of such an initiative on the part of the FTC, the proceedings will go to court. According to the Bloomberg portal, Microsoft is actively preparing for the trial.
The other day there was information that Microsoft plans to enter into an agreement with Sony for 10 years on Call of Duty to increase the likelihood of approval of the deal by the FTC. However, Bloomberg, citing sources “familiar with the matter,” says this is not the case. According to them, Microsoft has not held, at least with the US Federal Trade Commission, no negotiations on the provision of remedies or concessions. Bloomberg writes the following:
Team Xbox hasn’t negotiated with the FTC about remedies or concessions aimed at approving the deal, said the person, who asked not to be identified when discussing a confidential matter. FTC personnel are finalizing their investigation and are expected to make a recommendation shortly, the person added. The FTC commissioners will then vote to file a case.
In the same material, Bloomberg writes that Microsoft, if the FTC tries to block the deal, plans to challenge the decision in court. At the same time, the corporation has already begun preparations. Bloomberg Intelligence’s antitrust analyst Jennifer Rea said she wouldn’t be surprised if the FTC filed a lawsuit to block the deal, but noted it would be difficult for the FTC to win the lawsuit and Microsoft could win, though the litigation could drag on.
Recall that Microsoft previously reported that it expects to close the deal by June 30, 2023.
