Microsoft recently scored a huge win against the FTC after a judge ruled in favor of the tech giant in its attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard for nearly $70 billion. But, not one to take a loss lying down, FTC is now expected to file an appeal to the ruling.
On Tuesday, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, the same judge that threw out the gamer's lawsuit, denied the FTC's motion for a preliminary injunction. The motion was filed earlier this year and was meant to prevent Microsoft and Activision Blizzard from finalizing the $69 billion deal. The antitrust watchdog feared that Microsoft would close the deal even with the ongoing regulatory proceedings with the FTC and UK CMA.
According to a report from Bloomberg, the FTC has yet to officially appeal the ruling. However, the regulatory body could file an appeal "as early as Wednesday" according to a source familiar with the deliberations.
The FTC has a little bit of time to decide on an appeal asan earlier temporary restraining order prevents Microsoft from closing the deal with Activision Blizzard. The TRO expires on Friday after 11:59 PM PT. The FTC has not commented on the decision and its next moves.
