The FTC still retains the option to proceed with the administrative trial after the merger closes. However, it is unusual for the agency to pursue an in-house case following a federal court loss.
Originally set for Tuesday, the deadline for the acquisition’s completion was extended until October 18th by mutual agreement between Microsoft and Activision. This extension allows additional time for resolving any remaining regulatory concerns. In the event that the deal collapses, Microsoft is obligated to pay a breakup fee of up to $4.5 billion. Nonetheless, both parties remain determined to finalize the merger.
