US agency loses bid to halt Microsoft’s $69bn purchase of Activision Blizzard

US appeals court decision clears a few hurdles left for the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard deal. Photograph: Dado Ruvić/Reuters

A US appeals court on Friday rejected the Federal Trade Commission’s request to pause Microsoft’s $69bn (£53bn) purchase of Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard.

The appeals court decision removes one of the few remaining hurdles stopping Xbox maker Microsoft from closing the deal and expanding its gaming business.