Activision Blizzard has said it will fight any FTC challenge when it comes to the $68.7 billion takeover by tech giant Microsoft.
In a report from Politico, it’s claimed the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is “likely” to file a lawsuit against the proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition. If that happens, Activision is said to come out fighting.
Activision will fight for Microsoft takeover
However, it’s also reported that at the time of writing, FTC commissioners are yet to vote against the proposed takeover. Furthermore, it is also believed that FTC representatives are “sceptical” about both Activision and Microsoft’s arguments towards the takeover.
If the FTC is against the proposed takeover, it is claimed that Microsoft’s yet-to-be-finalised deal could be taken to court as early as next month in December 2022. The report claims that much like regulators based in the UK; the takeover might be perceived as “an unfair boost in the video game market”.
However, in response to the report, Activision Blizzard executive, Lulu Meservey has stated that any challenge from the FTC in the US will be met with a “fight” to ensure Microsoft’s deal goes through.
“Seeing a lot of speculation about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Any suggestion that the transaction could have anticompetitive effects is absurd,” tweeted Meservey. “This merger will benefit gamers and the US gaming industry — especially as we face stiffer competition from abroad.”
Seeing a lot of speculation about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
— Lulu Cheng Meservey (@lulumeservey) November 24, 2022
Any suggestion that the transaction could have anticompetitive effects is absurd.
This merger will benefit gamers and the US gaming industry — especially as we face stiffer competition from abroad.
“We’re committed to continuing to work cooperatively with regulators around the globe to allow the transaction to proceed, but won’t hesitate to fight to defend the transaction if that’s needed,” she concluded.
We’re committed to continuing to work cooperatively with regulators around the globe to allow the transaction to proceed, but won’t hesitate to fight to defend the transaction if that’s needed.
— Lulu Cheng Meservey (@lulumeservey) November 24, 2022
Do you believe Microsoft’s takeover of Activision will happen?
If Microsoft’s deal does go through, it is expected to be finalised by June 2023. That’s at least according to Activision. However, there will no doubt be many bumps in the round until then.
Do you believe that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will still go through? Let us know across our social media channels.
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Featured Image Credit: Activision Blizzard/Source: Eurogamer via Politico