#Microsoft to Acquire Activision Blizzard Despite FTC Block

According to reports, Microsoft is planning to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, despite the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) blocking the deal in December last year on antitrust grounds. According to sources close to the technology giant, Microsoft is optimistic this week about obtaining UK approval for its acquisition. Sources say this is because in recent weeks, antitrust regulatory agencies in the UK and EU have made surprising progress in approving the merger of the two companies. The reason why these two antitrust regulatory agencies have improved their attitude towards Microsoft is that Microsoft has promised to allow competitors such as Sony and Nintendo to obtain franchise rights for its gaming masterpiece “Call of Duty” video game.

Microsoft plans to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Outline

I. Introduction
– Overview of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard
– UK and EU are optimistic about the deal despite the FTC blocking it
II. The Deal
– Details of the acquisition
– Acquisition cost and reasons for the deal
III. The FTC block
– Reasons behind the FTC block
– Microsoft’s response to the FTC block
IV. EU and UK approval
– Progress in EU and UK approval
– Possible reasons for optimism
V. Impact on gaming industry
– Thoughts on how the acquisition will affect the industry
– Significance of Call of Duty franchise and its competitors
VI. Conclusion
– Recap of the article
– Final thoughts on Microsoft’s acquisition

Article

Microsoft is set to complete its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, despite the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) blocking the deal in December of last year on antitrust grounds. Microsoft is reportedly optimistic about obtaining UK approval for the acquisition this week. According to sources close to the technology giant, both the EU and UK antitrust regulatory agencies have made surprising progress in approving the merger of the two companies.
The deal involves Microsoft purchasing Activision Blizzard, the parent company of game studios such as Blizzard Entertainment and King, which are responsible for games like Candy Crush and World of Warcraft. The acquisition cost of $69 billion makes it one of the largest in the gaming industry. Microsoft has stated that they’d like to expand their presence in the gaming industry and use the acquisition to offer a better gaming experience to customers.
However, the FTC blocked the deal on antitrust grounds, stating that the acquisition would lead to a concentration of power in the gaming industry. Microsoft responded to the block by stating that they would work with the FTC to address their concerns.
Despite the FTC’s blocking of the deal, progress has been made in obtaining approval from the EU and the UK. According to sources, the reason for this improvement is that Microsoft has made a promise to allow competitors like Sony and Nintendo to obtain franchise rights for its gaming masterpiece, Call of Duty.
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard will have a significant impact on the gaming industry. The Call of Duty franchise is one of the most popular franchises in the industry and is expected to receive a boost with Microsoft now owning it. The acquisition could also lead to a rise in competition, as other gaming companies may want to compete with Microsoft in the industry.
In conclusion, despite FTC blocking the deal last year, Microsoft is forging ahead with its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The approval of the UK and EU antitrust regulatory agencies may indicate that the deal isn’t as anticompetitive as originally thought. The acquisition has the potential to shake up the gaming industry and create new possibilities for gaming enthusiasts.

FAQs

Q. What was the main reason behind the FTC blocking the Microsoft Activision Blizzard merger?
A. The FTC blocked the merger on antitrust grounds, stating that the acquisition would lead to a concentration of power in the gaming industry.
Q. How will Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard affect the gaming industry?
A. The acquisition is expected to create more competition in the gaming industry and make the industry more robust. Call of Duty is one of the most popular franchises, and its acquisition by Microsoft is expected to give the franchise a boost.
Q. What progress has been made recently in approving the Microsoft Activision Blizzard merger?
A. Recent reports suggest that the EU and UK antitrust regulatory agencies have made surprising progress in approving the merger of the two companies.