US Federal Trade Commission Files A New Lawsuit To Block Microsoft-ABK Deal

The US Federal Trade Commission has filed another lawsuit against Microsoft in an attempt to block its still-uncompleted merger with Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit also comes with a motion for a temporary restraining order and an injunction to prevent both companies from sealing the deal while the commission continues to look into it over antitrust concerns.

“Both a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction are necessary because Microsoft and Activision have represented that they may consummate the Proposed Acquisition at any time,” reads the filing.

Microsoft President Brad Smith responded to the new lawsuit with a statement on Twitter, saying that, “Today’s action by the FTC to file suit in our Activision case in federal court should accelerate the decision-making process. This benefits everyone. We always prefer constructive and amicable paths with governments but have confidence in our case and look forward to presenting it.”

While the $69 billion deal has already been approved in several countries, including rejected it outright due to cloud gaming concerns.

Meanwhile, Brad Smith says that they’ll continue to plead their case with the FTC as investigation continues.

Today’s action by the FTC to file suit in our Activision case in federal court should accelerate the decision-making process. This benefits everyone. We always prefer constructive and amicable paths with governments but have confidence in our case and look forward to presenting…

— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) June 12, 2023