U.S. 9th Circuit Denies Extension of Restraining Order against Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

The U.S. 9th Circuit of Appeals has denied two requests to extend a restraining order against Microsoft’s attempted acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This decision allows Microsoft to proceed with its $69 billion deal, which combines the maker of Call of Duty with the maker of Xbox and Windows.

Why it matters

The deal has been blocked in the U.S. until midnight PT Friday. Microsoft’s bid has faced regulatory scrutiny, primarily due to antitrust concerns. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued to block the merger and presented its case during preliminary injunction hearings last month.

District Court Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley initially denied the FTC’s request for an injunction, stating that the temporary restraining order against the deal would expire on Friday. The FTC then asked Corley to extend the restraining order pending appeal. However, she denied the request. The FTC also asked the 9th Circuit to block the deal during the appeal, but the court has also denied that request.

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In the so-called gamers suit, which also sought to block the deal, the same judges in the 9th Circuit also denied a similar request for a stay.

What’s next

Although the FTC is still appealing the district court’s ruling, Microsoft can proceed with its Activision deal as early as Saturday. Additionally, regulators in the UK, who previously blocked the deal in April, have extended their final consideration of the merger until August. This extension is in anticipation of new proposals from Microsoft that may modify their offer.

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