FTC Seeks to Block Microsoft Acquisition of Video Game Maker Activision Blizzard

(NEWSnet/AP) — The Federal Trade Commission has sued to block Microsoft from completing its deal to buy video game company Activision Blizzard. 

The FTC's Monday filing in a San Francisco federal court seeks a temporary restraining order and injunction to stop Microsoft's $69 billion purchase of the California company behind hit games such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush.

Microsoft, maker of the Xbox game system, has been struggling to win worldwide approval for the deal.

While a number of countries have approved the acquisition, regulators for the U.S. and U.K. have argued it could suppress competition in the video game market.

The deal between Microsoft and Blizzard is set to close by July 8 but the FTC's latest actions could ultimately speed up a conclusion to the drawn-out dispute. 

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