The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) could be close to approving Microsoft’s massive $68.7 billion buyout of Activision Blizzard.
In mergers this large, the FTC requests that both buyer and seller provide extensive data about both companies. Once that is complete, the FTC has 30 days to review a deal before it can be approved or denied. A report by Seeking Alpha shows that Microsoft has recently provided the FTC with information regarding its planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
As of right now, it’s unclear if Activision Blizzard has complied with the request. However, once that information is supplied, the 30-day countdown will begin. Afterward, the FTC can either approve, deny, or temporarily pause the deal.
However, several other regulatory bodies in other countries could also impact Microsoft and Activision Blizzard’s merger. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is also investigating the deal, with a deadline of Sept. 1, 2022, to make its decision. There are many moving parts here, and both companies are undoubtedly trying to avoid any potential antitrust issues that could arise.
Earlier this year, 98 percent of Activision Blizzard stockholders voted for the acquisition. So thus far, it’s looking like the deal will go through. Of course, that could change fast should any of the aforementioned regulatory bodies find anything wrong.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.
