Is the FTC REALLY on a Timer? | "Deadlines" and Microsoft x Activision (VL712)

Key Points

• Richard Hoeg discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the timing of Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision, highlighting that the FTC's review process is not bound by fixed timelines and can be extended through negotiations or legal disputes.
• He explains that the FTC has the authority to challenge a merger even after it is consummated, emphasizing that their review process does not constitute approval or clearance of a deal, which can leave companies like Microsoft in a precarious position if they proceed without explicit consent.
• The episode provides insight into the legal strategies and potential outcomes for the Microsoft and Activision deal, suggesting that while a resolution is expected in the first quarter of the next year, there are no guarantees due to the ongoing negotiations and legal processes involved.