"Microsoft Addresses 1900 Layoffs Amid Activision Blizzard Merger"

Microsoft responds to the US Federal Trade Commission's criticism of its planned layoffs post-Activision Blizzard acquisition, stating that the layoffs cannot be solely attributed to the merger as Activision Blizzard had already planned significant job cuts. The company asserts that it continues to stand behind its representations to the court and has structured the post-merger company to enable divestiture if necessary. Microsoft argues that Activision Blizzard will still be able to operate independently despite the layoffs, contrary to the FTC's concerns, indicating that the dispute with federal regulators is ongoing.