Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley denied the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) request for a preliminary injunction, which Microsoft forbidden to buy Activision Blizzard pending a decision by the Ninth Court of Appeal. The same judge denied the request for a preliminary injunction as early as Tuesday.
The US regulator appealed the verdict handed down on Tuesday, but the appeals court’s decision could take longer. The current June preliminary injunction expires today at 11:59 pm US time. The question is whether the Court of Appeal will have time to make a decision by then.
Judge Corley Denies FTC Appeal
“The FTC is asking this court to ban the merger pending resolution of the FTC’s appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. This request is DENIED.” pic.twitter.com/JKBsKxdOMf
— Benji-Sales (@BenjiSales) July 14, 2023
SELLING CLOUD RIGHTS IN THE UK?
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard are trying to reach an agreement with the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Microsoft according to Bloomberg sources is considering selling part of its cloud business in the UK. This may include the sale of rights. Telecommunications, gaming or internet companies or private equity companies may be interested.
The CMA blocked Xbox’s relationship with publisher Call of Duty back in April over concerns about impacting the emerging cloud gaming market. But Microsoft is short on time, having previously promised that the $68.7 billion acquisition would be completed by July 18, 2023. If this does not happen, both parties may exit the merger. In addition, Microsoft must pay a $3 billion fine.
Experts are leaning toward Microsoft closing the deal with Activision Blizzard over the weekend and announcing everything on Monday.
Source :Indian TV
