Today is a day that many have been keeping an eye on. June 22 is the date that Microsoft goes to court to defend its attempted purchase of Activision against the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The case is being tried in San Francisco and will last five days. Over that time, a number of high-profile figures are expected to testify, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick.
The case itself will conclude on June 29 with U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley overseeing the proceedings. Judge Corley’s decision wouldn’t likely come then until after the Fourth of July holiday in the United States.
What Is This Specific Case About
The basis of the case between the FTC and Microsoft is simple. The FTC is suing Microsoft to prevent the company from closing on its $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. Once all the evidence is presented, Judge Corley will decide whether to grant the FTC’s request to stop the purchase until another trial on August 2 in Washington, DC, or to let Microsoft move forward with the acquisition.
What makes this case so important is that Microsoft has until July 18 to close the deal. Should it not happen, the company will have to pay $3 billion in breakup fees to Activision Blizzard or negotiate terms of the acquisition.
How To Follow Microsoft Vs FTC
Insider Gaming will be updating the article below regularly throughout the day with the latest from the proceedings. There will also be a live Zoom audio broadcast for those interested in listening along.
