Microsoft: Call of Duty deal: Microsoft, Activision ‘troubles’ with FTC not over – Times of India

A day after a US court gave a green light to Microsoft-Activision’s $69 billion merger, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said that it is appealing against the ruling in favour of the tech giant in its fight with the antitrust regulator.
Earlier this week, the court found that “the FTC has not shown a likelihood it will prevail on its claim this particular vertical merger in this specific industry may substantially lessen competition.”
“To the contrary, the record evidence points to more consumer access to Call of Duty and other Activision content,” it also said.Here’s what FTC has to say
The FTC says it is appealing the recent US federal court order.
“Notice is hereby given that Plaintiff Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from this Court’s Opinion dated July 10, 2023, and entered on the Court’s docket on July 11, 2023, at ECF Docket Number 305 denying the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction pursuant to Federal Trade Commission Act § 13(b), 15 U.S.C. 53(b),” it said in a notice.

Microsoft, Activision’s take
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president, also said that the ruling makes it clear that the acquisition is good for both competition and consumers.
“We’re disappointed that the FTC is continuing to pursue what has become a demonstrably weak case, and we will oppose further efforts to delay the ability to move forward,” he said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, Lulu Cheng Meservey, who is CCO and EVP corporate affairs at Activision Blizzard said that the company remains confident in the US.
“The facts haven’t changed. We’re confident the U.S. will remain among the 39 countries where the merger can close. We look forward to demonstrating the strength of our case in court – again,” she added.
Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard Entertainment, wittily hit out at the FTC tweeting, “Your tax dollars at work.”