Microsoft has scored another legal win against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in its ongoing bid to acquire Activision Blizzard.

Today, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rejected the FTC's attempt to halt Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of the Call of Duty publisher, solidifying a deal first announced in late 2022 (via Reuters). A three-judge panel's ruling effectively ended the FTC's challenge to last July's decision permitting Microsoft to proceed with the purchase.

Microsoft's three-year pursuit of Activision Blizzard has drawn scrutiny from multiple fronts. Several U.S. Senators initially voiced opposition, raising concerns about tech industry consolidation as the Xbox parent company absorbed another major player. Amid worries that popular franchises might become Xbox exclusives, Microsoft repeatedly assured that established series would remain available across platforms.

All Video Game Franchises Now Under Xbox Following Activision Blizzard Acquisition

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Despite facing ongoing regulatory hurdles throughout 2023, Microsoft successfully closed the Activision Blizzard deal that October. The FTC's recent appeal represented a potential last-minute obstacle to normal operations, but with this latest defeat, the regulatory battle appears concluded.

For a detailed chronology of Microsoft's challenges in acquiring Activision Blizzard, follow here.