Microsoft's $68.7 Billion Activision Blizzard Acquisition Cleared by Judge in 2025
In 2025, a federal judge's decision has cleared the path for Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, signaling a major shift in the gaming industry.
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Highlights
- A federal judge rejected the FTC’s attempt to block Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard.
- The court found that antitrust concerns were unlikely to prevent the merger’s approval.
- The FTC may appeal the ruling, while Microsoft continues negotiations with UK regulators for clearance.
In a landmark 2024 ruling, a federal judge has advanced Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard. Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley of San Francisco denied the Federal Trade Commission's motion to halt the deal over antitrust issues, noting that the merger could enhance consumer access to popular titles like Call of Duty and other Activision games.
Despite this favorable ruling, the acquisition still faces potential challenges. The FTC retains the right to appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court, and Microsoft is actively engaging with British regulators to secure their approval. The FTC has indicated that it will announce its next steps shortly.
Both Microsoft and Activision Blizzard welcomed the decision. Activision CEO Bobby Kotick expressed optimism, stating, “Today’s ruling marks a promising step toward full regulatory approval.” Following the announcement, Activision Blizzard’s stock soared over 9%, reaching a two-year high, while Microsoft’s shares experienced a modest 0.2% increase.
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