The first hearing in the US lawsuit between Microsoft, Activision Blizzard and the FTC reveals some interesting details. The FTC does not currently want to sue in federal court.
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard will submit proposed solutions to the FTC, which will be agreed upon in the EU and UK.
Microsoft at the preliminary hearing before FTC ALJ Judge Michael Chapell: “We expect the EU and UK to reach agreement soon, possibly with remedial action, and then approach the FTC with those findings to review the FTC’s decision.” accelerate.”
FTC Attorney James Weingarten saidthe agency has no plans “at this time” to sue in federal court. The FTC has authorized its officials to hold settlement talks, but “there are no substantive discussions at this time.”
Microsoft stated that neither the EU nor the CMA have blocked the deal and they are sure that an agreement will be found.
Like Florian Müller from fossils reports, Microsoft’s lead attorney Beth Wilkinson mentioned the July 18, 2023 as the termination date in the Meger agreement and said her client was “preparing for all options.” While “a resolution would be ideal,” the other options include an internal FTC proceeding or a federal court proceeding, which Microsoft believes the FTC will have to commence fairly soon.