Microsoft plans to close Activision deal despite FTC challenge, NY Post says

Microsoft (MSFT) is getting ready to finalize its $69B takeover of Activision Blizzard (ATVI) despite the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s move late last year to block the transaction over antitrust concerns, the New York Post’s Josh Kosman reports. The Xbox maker is feeling optimistic about garnering U.K. approval for the deal this week, the author says, citing sources close to the tech giant. While approval from the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority is anticipated this week, Microsoft is hopeful that a final clearance from the European Commission will arrive in May, which could make the FTC’s challenge an uphill battle, the author says, citing a source close to the situation. Reference Link