FTC's Potential Appeal in Microsoft-Activision Ruling Sparks Antitrust Reform Debate

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is considering appealing a judge's decision that denied its request to block the $68.7 billion deal between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard. The agency has not reached a final decision on appealing, but the temporary restraining order preventing the deal from closing will expire on Friday. The FTC's appeal, if filed, would be racing against the deal deadline. Meanwhile, the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority has agreed to stay the litigation and consider proposals to restructure the deal. Microsoft hopes other jurisdictions will work towards a timely resolution.