Microsoft-activision deal approved: FTC can’t stop the console wars

The deal would be the largest for Microsoft and the biggest in the history of the video game business.

1. The deal is worth $69bn.
2. The FTC had asked US district judge Jacqueline Scott Corley in San Francisco to stop the proposed deal.
3. The judge disagreed, saying the FTC had not shown it was likely to succeed on its assertion the combined firm will probably pull Call of Duty from Sony PlayStation.
4. The deal would make Microsoft the third-biggest gaming company in the world.
5. Activision shares were up 11.3% at $92.01 on Tuesday afternoon and Microsoft shares were flat.
6. The FTC has until Friday to appeal the judge’s decision.
7. Microsoft president Brad Smith said on Tuesday that the company was “grateful” for the “quick and thorough” decision.