This is the new MLex platform. Existing customers should continue to use the existing MLex platform until migrated.
For any queries, please contact Customer Services or your Account Manager. Dismiss

Microsoft-Activision US appeal ruling cements hurdle for vertical merger challenges

By Flavia Fortes ( May 14, 2025, 21:39 GMT | Comment) -- A federal appeals court ruling last week in favor of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision underscores the obstacles to contesting vertical mergers in US courts. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit decision affirming the denial of a preliminary injunction request by the US Federal Trade Commission clarified the “serious questions” legal standard for the agency’s requested relief — writing that a preliminary injunction is "an extraordinary and drastic remedy" — and cemented court precedent favoring vertical transactions. A federal appeals court ruling last week in favor of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision underscores the obstacles to contesting vertical mergers in US courts....

Prepare for tomorrow’s regulatory change, today

MLex identifies risk to business wherever it emerges, with specialist reporters across the globe providing exclusive news and deep-dive analysis on the proposals, probes, enforcement actions and rulings that matter to your organization and clients, now and in the longer term.


Know what others in the room don’t, with features including:

  • Daily newsletters for Antitrust, M&A, Trade, Data Privacy & Security, Technology, AI and more
  • Custom alerts on specific filters including geographies, industries, topics and companies to suit your practice needs
  • Predictive analysis from expert journalists across North America, the UK and Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific
  • Curated case files bringing together news, analysis and source documents in a single timeline

Experience MLex today with a 14-day free trial.

Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber? Click here to login