Activision Blizzard's CEO Says Acquisition by Microsoft Will Take Place Despite FTC Efforts

By Sabela Ojea

Activision Blizzard Inc.'s purchase by Microsoft Corp. will go through despite the U.S. Federal Trade Commissions's plans to block the deal, the video-game developer's Chief Executive Bobby Kotick said.

The FTC sued tech giant Microsoft on Thursday to stop the pending $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, claiming that it could harm competition in high-performance gaming console and subscription services.

However, Mr. Kotick believes the allegation doesn't align with the facts.

"We believe we'll win this challenge," he said.

The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft would be the largest deal in the video gaming industry, according to the FTC.

Activision Blizzard owns gaming franchises such as Call of Duty.

Write to Sabela Ojea at [e-mail]; @sabelaojeaguix

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-08-22 1534ET