The terrifying and dragging saga of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision is finally reaching a thrilling climax as federal judges have ruled against the FTC’s merger injunction and allowed the Microsoft X Activision deal to go through.
After months of deliberation, wrangling, petty squabbling, industry-defining wheel-spinning and deal-making, Microsoft finally got its deal in the United States.
In principle the agreement will cover all assets owned by Activision, including Call of Duty And Overwatch franchises, remain under the control of Microsoft who will print a check for $69 billion, much to the delight of Xbox’s Phil Spencer.
Phil Spencer released a statement following the approval of the merger of Microsoft Activision in the US.
Shortly after US courts gave the green light to the Microsoft Activision deal, Xbox chief Phil Spencer took to social media to welcome the ruling and vow that “this deal is good for the industry”.
In a series of tweets, Spencer said, “Since we first announced this deal, our commitment to bringing more games to more people on more devices has grown. We’ve added Activision Blizzard’s games, Xbox has signed multiple deals to create first-party games. And Game Pass is available to more players than ever before.”
The Xbox leader also praised Microsoft’s efforts in adapting to the FTC’s demands and their commitment to increasing player access and choice.
“We know players around the world are watching this case closely and I’m proud of our efforts to increase access and choice for players throughout this journey,” he added.
Microsoft executives praised the US legal system after the FTC’s decision.
Click to enlarge.Other Microsoft executives have also praised the legal system, such as President Brad Smith along with CCO and EVP Corporate Affairs Lulu Cheng Meserui.
“The legal system worked,” Meservey said Twitter.
“A fair and impartial court has reached the correct conclusion of Activision Blizzard’s merger with Microsoft based on the facts and the law.
“The judge’s decision rejects the FTC’s attempt to block a theoretically driven deal that benefits gamers and allows more competition rather than protecting the market leader.”
Only the UK government is standing in Microsoft’s way of ending the deal worldwide, although publishers have threatened to end the deal and leave the UK in the past.