FTC’s Bid to Temporarily Block Microsoft Deal Rejected by Judge

The US Federal Trade Commission lost its request for a California judge to temporarily block Microsoft Corp. from closing its $69 billion takeover of Activision Blizzard Inc. while the agency appeals her ruling greenlighting the deal.

US District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley issued a two-sentence order late Thursday rejecting the FTC’s latest effort to block the mega gaming deal.

The FTC is appealing Corley’s July 10 decision to the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals. The agency also said Thursday it will seek emergency action by the 9th Circuit to stop the deal from closing. Barring court action, Microsoft and ...