The Federal Trade Commission will file for an injunction to block Activision Blizzard’s proposed acquisition, CNBC reports. By filing the injunction request, the FTC seeks to stop the deal from going through before the July 18 deadline.
The FTC has already filed suit to block the $68.7 billion acquisition, opting to file a lawsuit before a domestic administrative judge. Through this trial-like process, the judge will make an initial decision that can be appealed to the full commission for a vote. Microsoft can then appeal to federal court if the decision is not in its favor. The case is due to be heard by an administrative judge in August.
“We welcome the opportunity to present our case in federal court. We believe expediting the legal process in the U.S. will ultimately lead to more choice and competition in the marketplace.”
said Microsoft President Brad Smith.
An appeal against the UK Competition and Markets Authority’s decision to block the merger is also planned for this summer, shortly after the acquisition deadline.