FTC Withdraws Challenge , to Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal.<br />FTC Withdraws Challenge , to Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal.<br />The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) <br />previously explored two avenues to stop Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.<br />In December, the agency filed an administrative challenge against the deal.<br />The FTC also pursued "a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction," The Verge reports.<br />Both the restraining order and injunction were denied, and the FTC has now withdrawn its administrative challenge.<br />However, it is still appealing the <br />denial of the preliminary injunction.<br />However, it is still appealing the <br />denial of the preliminary injunction.<br />The news comes as the two companies recently announced they'd extend <br />their deal deadline to Oct. 18.<br />The news comes as the two companies recently announced they'd extend <br />their deal deadline to Oct. 18.<br />The Verge reports that the FTC may <br />still re-file its administrative challenge.<br />Meanwhile, Microsoft remains in negotiations with the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority. .<br />Xbox head Phil Spencer reassured staff that both Microsoft and Activision "remain optimistic that we will get our acquisition over the finish line."
