The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has formally dismissed its case against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The agency filed an order to dismiss the complaint on Thursday, shortly after losing an appeal to obtain a preliminary injunction that would have stopped Microsoft from completing the deal.
In its filing, the FTC stated, “The Commission has determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation in this case.” This marks the end of the FTC’s efforts to block Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition, nearly two years after it initially sought a temporary restraining order and injunction from a US federal district court.
“Today’s decision is a win for gamers nationwide and a triumph for common sense in Washington, DC,” stated Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair and president. “We appreciate the FTC’s announcement today.”
