US court approves Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision

In the US, the court allowed Microsoft to buy game maker Activision Blizzard for $69 billion. It also cleared the main hurdle for the video game industry’s biggest takeover deal, after the UK regulator announced it could review its decision to oppose the transaction.

Microsoft made an offer last year to buy Activision Blizzard, the maker of Call of Duty and many other games played by tens of millions of people around the world, but the US administration opposed the transaction on the grounds that it would harm consumers.

After the court decision in favor of Microsoft, Activision shares rose 10 percent yesterday, while Microsoft shares gained limited value.

THE JUDGE REJECTED THE DEMANDS

San Francisco District Court Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley rejected the Biden administration’s claim that Microsoft, which produced the Xbox game console with the purchase, would have sole ownership of several games, including Call of Duty, and would harm consumers.

Shortly after the US judge’s decision, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it was ready to consider Microsoft’s proposals to address UK antitrust concerns, indicating that the two parties could come to an agreement. a solution.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) claimed that Microsoft could use Activision’s games to crowd out rival console makers like Nintendo and market leader Sony Group. (Reuters)