FTC Announces New In-House Hearing to Challenge Microsoft's Acquisition of Activision

The Federal Trade Commission is restarting its efforts to block Microsoft's $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, as revealed in a recent court document. According to the filing, the FTC believes it is in the public's best interest to resolve this matter promptly. The hearing is set to begin 21 days after the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issues its opinion on the appeal regarding the preliminary injunction. This development comes after the commission previously withdrew its administrative challenge to the acquisition. Microsoft has since responded, stating that it still expects the deal to be completed by October 18 and remains confident in the transaction's benefits for gamers and the competitive landscape.