FTC Drops Challenge to Microsoft’s $69 Billion Activision Deal

The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday abandoned its years-long attempt to block Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, clearing the way for one of the largest tech deals in history, Associated Press reporter Dee-Ann Durbin wrote.

The FTC under Biden-era Chair Lina Khan had sued to halt the merger. I Photo: Activision Blizzard King

The Republican-led commission said continuing its administrative litigation was no longer in the public interest, after multiple court defeats and Microsoft’s successful completion of the deal in October 2023.

The FTC under Biden-era Chair Lina Khan had sued to halt the merger, claiming Microsoft could suppress competition by limiting rivals’ access to popular games like Call of Duty.

Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chairman, praised the decision as a “victory for players” and “common sense in Washington.” It marked the second time that day the FTC withdrew a Biden-era lawsuit, having earlier dismissed a case against PepsiCo.