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The
FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction to block Microsoft from
completing its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft has argued that if the court grants an injunction it
would effectively kill the deal, which has a termination date of
July 18 and contains a $3 billion termination fee that Microsoft
would have to pay.
The hearing will begin June 22 and progress through June 29.
The FTC has argued the transaction would give Microsoft's video
game console Xbox exclusive access to Activision games, leaving
Nintendo consoles and Sony Group Corp's PlayStation out in the
cold.
Microsoft's bid to acquire the "Call of Duty" video game maker
was approved by the EU in May, but British competition
authorities blocked the takeover in April.
The FTC is calling Nadella to testify about the video game
industry, Microsoft Gaming’s strategy and business and the
planned Activision acquisition, while Microsoft is calling him
to testify about similar topics.
Kotick will testify about Activision’s gaming business, future
plans, and strategies. Other witnesses on the list include Sony
Interactive Entertainment CEO James Ryan and Dov Zimring, former
director of product management for the now shuttered gaming
service Stadia at Alphabet's Google LLC.
Also testifying are two executives from Nvidia Corp.
Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood, Microsoft Gaming CEO
Phil Spencer and Microsoft Gaming CFO Tim Stuart are also
scheduled to testify, as are a number of expert witnesses.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese)
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