Microsoft’s $69B deal to buy Activision can go forward: judge

A US judge ruled on Tuesday that Microsoft may go forward with its planned acquisition of blockbuster videogame maker Activision Blizzard, turning aside antitrust enforcers’ request for a preliminary injunction to temporarily stop the $69 billion deal.

The court separately extended its temporary restraining order to Friday at 11:59 pm to allow the Federal Trade Commission to appeal.

The FTC had originally asked the judge to stop the proposed deal, arguing it would give Microsoft, maker of the Xbox gaming console, exclusive access to Activision games including the best-selling “Call of Duty.” The agency’s concern was that the deal would potentially preclude the availability of those videogames on other platforms.

“Our merger will benefit consumers and workers. It will enable competition rather than allow entrenched market leaders to continue to dominate our rapidly growing industry,” Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard CEO said in a statement.

Microsoft President Brad Smith tweeted that the company was “grateful” for the “quick and thorough” decision.