Senators Urge FTC to Review Microsoft's $68.7B Deal for Activision Blizzard, Report Says
The four senators are reportedly concerned the deal could undermine calls for accountability at the video game giant. A group of four US senators is reportedly urging the Federal Trade Commission to review Microsoft's $68.7 billion deal to acquire video game giant Activision Blizzard. In a letter to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan, the senators raised concerns that the planned acquisition would undermine "calls for accountability over alleged misconduct" at Activision Blizzard, according to a report Thursday from The Wall Street Journal.
"We are deeply concerned about consolidation in the tech industry and its impact on workers," reads the letter, according to the Journal. The letter was reportedly sent by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat; Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent; Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat; and Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat.
In January, Microsoft announced plans to take over scandal-plagued Activision Blizzard. The deal would make Microsoft the world's third-largest video game maker and give it control over popular franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. Microsoft also pledged to clean up Activision Blizzard, which has a reputation for a toxic work culture and has faced allegations of harassment and discrimination. The deal already faces lawsuits from shareholders.
The senators in their letter to the FTC reportedly call out that Activision CEO Bobby Kotick will remain in his role until the deal closes in 2023 and potentially receive a large exit package, despite calls from employees and shareholders for him to resign.
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| Microsoft's $68.7B Deal for Activision Blizzard, Report Says |
Microsoft and Activision Blizzard didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Neither did the FTC nor the offices of the senators.