Phil Spencer issues statement following FTC court decision
The dreary and dragged-out saga of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision is finally entering a thrilling climax as the federal judges have ruled against the FTC's injunction of the merger and allowed the Microsoft x Activision deal to go through.
After months of deliberating, squabbling, petty quarrels, industry-defining wheeling and dealing, Microsoft has finally got their deal over the line in the United States.
The deal in principle will see all Activision-owned assets, including the Call of Duty and Overwatch franchises, be in control of Microsoft who will be printing out the $69 billion cheque, much to the delight of Xbox's Phil Spencer.
Phil Spencer issues a statement after the Microsoft-Activision merger has been passed in the USA
Immediately after the Microsoft-Activision deal was given the green light from the US courts, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has taken to social media to hail the decision and pledge that the "deal is good for the industry".
In a string of tweets, Spencer said, "Since we first announced this deal, our commitment to bringing more games to more people on more devices has only grown. We’ve signed multiple agreements to make Activision Blizzard’s games, Xbox first-party games and Game Pass all available to more players than they are today."
The Xbox Leader also praised Microsoft's efforts in adapting to the FTC's demands and their commitment to expanding player access and choice.
"We know that players around the world have been watching this case closely and I’m proud of our efforts to expand player access and choice throughout this journey," he added.
Microsoft executives hail the US legal system after FTC ruling
Click to enlargeOther Microsoft executives have also hailed the legal system, as President Brad Smith was joined by CCO and EVP Corporate Affairs Lulu Cheng Meservey in praising the process.
"The legal system worked," said Meservey on Twitter.
"A fair and neutral court has reached the correct conclusion about Activision Blizzard’s merger with Microsoft based on facts and the law.
"The judge’s ruling rejects the FTC's ideologically-driven attempt to prevent a deal that benefits gamers and allows more competition instead of protecting the market leader."
Only the UK government stands in the way of Microsoft to close the deal worldwide, although the publishers have threatened to close the deal and leave out the UK in the past.
