The U.S. Federal Trade Commission asked a California judge to temporarily block Microsoft Corp. from closing its $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard Inc. while the agency appeals her ruling greenlighting the deal.
The request Thursday to US District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley marks the FTC’s latest effort to block the mega gaming deal.
The FTC is appealing Corley’s July 10 decision to the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. The agency also said Thursday it will seek emergency action by the 9th Circuit to stop the deal from closing if Corley denies their request. Barring court action, Microsoft and Activision can complete the deal as of 11:59 p.m. in San Francisco on July 14.
