The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is continuing to oppose the Microsoft-Activision merger with a last-minute appeal against a judge’s ruling, while the big tech companies were voicing their eagerness for the merger they say will not harm competition. The FTC on Thursday night asked (pdf) the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which…

The European Union (EU) gave its approval to Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of gaming giant Activision Blizzard. The decision comes just weeks after the United Kingdom’s merger regulator stunned the gaming industry by vetoing the deal. The EU’s analysis indicated that the acquisition would not harm competition, especially as Microsoft has made a commitment to…

In the midst of ongoing debates over federal spending, Rep. Steve Womack voiced his opposition to a proposed budget increase for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). During Thursday’s House Appropriations Committee hearing, Womack raised pointed criticisms at FTC Chair Lina Khan. “The FTC, with a cavalier attitude, is weighing in on areas that are outside…

Microsoft Corp. on Monday won dismissal of a private consumer antitrust lawsuit over its $69 billion proposed purchase of “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard Inc., but the plaintiffs were given 20 days to refine their legal challenge. A federal judge in San Francisco ruled that the lawsuit from a group of video game plaintiffs…