U.S. antitrust enforcer says pressing on with fight against Microsoft/Activision deal


FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen at the Federal Trade Commission headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Friday it remained focused on its appeal opposing Xbox maker Microsoft's now-closed $69 billion deal to buy Activision but would "assess" the company's agreement with Ubisoft.

The companies closed their transaction on Friday after winning approval from Britain on condition that they sell the streaming rights to Activision's games to Ubisoft Entertainment to address the UK regulator's competition concerns.

In the United States, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also fought the deal, and has an argument scheduled before an appeals court on Dec. 6. The agency said on Friday that it remained focused on that appeal.

"Microsoft and Activision's new agreement with Ubisoft presents a whole new facet to the merger that will affect American consumers, which the FTC will assess as part of its ongoing administrative proceeding," added spokeswoman Victoria Graham. "The FTC continues to believe this deal is a threat to competition."

(Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Susan Fenton)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

   

Next In Tech News

US regulator looks to put Google under federal supervision, Washington Post says
Fibre optic cables should be considered 'critical infrastructure' in Africa, Google says
EU fines Meta 797 million euros over abusive practices benefiting Facebook Marketplace
ASML CEO says AI boom benefits the company
Spain's La Vanguardia joins the Guardian in leaving X, citing 'toxic content'
Analysis-Crypto industry pushes for policy sea change after Trump victory
EU says Booking must comply with Digital Markets Act
Samsung Electronics says it reaches preliminary wage deal with union
Trump’s victory could ease regulatory path for Musk’s robotaxi, but hurdles remain
Siemens to cut up to 5,000 jobs in automation business after downturn

Others Also Read