United States of America: Filed FTC order returning matter to adjudication against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard

On 26 September 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed an order returning the matter to adjudication against Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In December 2022, the FTC initiated legal action to oppose Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and sought a preliminary injunction in court to block the transaction temporarily. The court denied the request. Following this, Respondents in the administrative proceeding requested to withdraw the case from adjudication. The FTC withdrew the case and now decided to resume the matter for adjudication. The evidentiary hearing will take place after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals provides its opinion on the appeal related to the preliminary injunction. The hearing will be conducted virtually, with provisions for public access, considering the protection of confidential information.