In a letter, 22 Republican lawmakers urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to drop its opposition to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, saying the deal is beneficial for competition. The FTC is exploring its options following a court ruling that the deal is legal and an appeals court refusing to pause it.
The lawmakers, all members of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, sent the letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan and two commissioners. Microsoft, the maker of Xbox, has been fighting to secure the $69 billion deal for months, despite criticism from US and UK antitrust regulators. This acquisition would be Microsoft’s largest ever in the video game industry.
James Comer, chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, among others, signed the letter. The lawmakers accused the FTC of disregarding proper antitrust policy by seeking to halt the acquisition.
The letter stated that Microsoft’s Xbox business has historically been a smaller player in the video game market, and acquiring Activision’s portfolio would expand its reach, particularly among mobile device users.
The FTC acknowledged receipt of the letter, while Microsoft has not provided comment.
Reporter: Diane Bartz
Editing: Leslie Adler
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
