FTC says it will appeal to block Microsoft-Activision deal

The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday stated it should enchantment a federal decide’s determination to disclaim a request for a preliminary injunction that will have prevented Microsoft from closing its $68.7 billion acquisition of sport writer Activision Blizzard.

The determination comes sooner or later after Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, dominated in favor of the 2 corporations.

CNBC reported earlier on Wednesday that FTC might deliver the decide’s determination to the ninth Circuit appeals court docket.

On Wednesday Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick advised CNBC’s Julia Boorstin, “I’d be surprised if they would waste taxpayer resources on something like that,” referring to an FTC enchantment. Kotick stated he did not assume the appellate court docket would grant a keep.

The FTC declined to touch upon its authorized response to the decide’s determination. The company is transferring quick, as Microsoft is trying to shut the acquisition by July 18.

Microsoft didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

The software program maker can also be busy making an attempt to safe approval for the deal within the United Kingdom. Microsoft govt Brad Smith stated the corporate and Activision Blizzard have agreed with the nation’s Competition and Markets Authority {that a} keep of litigation could be useful.

WATCH: Activision CEO Bobby Kotick: Would be shocked if the FTC wastes taxpayer cash on enchantment