FTC files notice to appeal in Microsoft - Activision Blizzard ruling

"The District Court's ruling makes crystal clear that this acquisition is good for both competition and consumers," Smith said in a statement to The Verge. "We're disappointed that the FTC is continuing to pursue what has become a demonstrably weak case, and we will oppose further efforts to delay the ability to move forward."

"The facts haven't changed," Lulu Cheng Meservey, Activision Blizzard's CCO and EVP of corporate affairs tweeted in reaction to the FTC appeal notice. "We're confident the US will remain among the 39 countries where the merger can close. We look forward to reinforcing the strength of our case in court — again."

Microsoft will still have to hurdle its appeal to the decision of the UK CMA. Microsoft cannot close its acquisition until after the UK competition watchdog rules on appeal. The tech giant and the CMA announced that the parties have agreed to pause the legal proceeding to negotiate following the US District Court ruling.

However, in an unexpected statement, the UK regulator warned Microsoft restructuring the deal could potentially "lead to a new merger investigation." The CMA also revealed that its negotiations with the tech giant are still at an "early stage."

We will now have to wait for the FTC to file its full appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the next weeks.