FTC May Approve Microsoft’s Activision Takeover Just to Avoid a Protracted Lawsuit

It seems more likely than not that both the EU and UK are probably not going to approve Microsoft’s proposed takeover of Activision/Blizzard. Well, not unless Microsoft decides to get a lot more transparent about what future the deal would have in regard to their gaming franchises (particularly Call of Duty) on competing systems.

What about America though? Well, while the FTC has been debating as to whether to take any action on the acquisition, it was long suspected that they might have been waiting for the EU to come to a decision before announcing their own. – Following a report via TechSpot, however, information reportedly from FTC sources has suggested that of the four members on the panel, the vote to approve or disapprove the deal is currently split.

Rather than investigating it further, however, to, you know, actually make a firm decision, the FTC may simply approve the deal to avoid any protracted lawsuits.

FTC May Approve Microsoft’s Activision/Blizzard Takeover – But Not Exactly For Good Reasons

The leaked information has stated that one of the FTC board members has already declared in favour of Microsoft with a second believed to also be erring towards that decision too. With the remaining two members on the panel apparently wanting to put the brakes on the deal, however, it did seem that, in terms of official FTC approval, the acquisition was set to remain in a deadlock for a while.

With Microsoft already lightly ‘threatening’ overtures of legal action to anyone who may disrupt the process, however, it’s understood that if the final vote within the FTC is tied, they may simply approve it just to avoid the expense of any protracted lawsuits with Microsoft.

So yeah, not exactly the best of reasons. Rest assured though that the EU and UK have no issue fighting Microsoft on this issue should they believe the deal is anti-competition. – With them set to make a decision within the next month or so though, this will very quickly determine whether Microsoft will complete the deal within the next 6 months, as they hoped, or whether this is set to drag out for a good while longer yet!

What do you think? – Let us know in the comments!