Microsoft, Activision CEOs expected to urge US judge to allow $69 billion merger

Microsoft has thrown the gauntlet down over antitrust criticisms, saying on Tuesday it is ready to offer rivals licensing deals in exchange for regulatory approval of its $69 billion deal to purchase video game publisher Activision , but it would not to sell the latter's lucrative "Call of Duty" franchise.

Britain's antitrust regulator on Friday cleared Microsoft's (MSFT.O) acquisition of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O) after the restructured deal addressed its earlier concerns.

Activision Blizzard said its studio that developed "Call of Duty" would set up shop in Barcelona, putting into action its pledge to invest in Europe after Brussels approved Microsoft's $69 billion acquisition of the company in May.

US federal court denies FTC's request to temporarily halt Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, pending appeal.

Lawyers for the Federal Trade Commission and Microsoft , which is seeking to buy Activision Blizzard , trade their final blows and make their final points on Thursday before a judge who has been asked to tap the brakes on the proposed $69 billion transaction.

Arguing for the government on Tuesday in its legal fight against Microsoft's $69 billion deal to buy game maker Activision Blizzard , Harvard economist Robin Lee struggled at times to plainly demonstrate how the planned deal would hurt gamers.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked a federal court on Thursday for a stay that would prevent Microsoft (MSFT.O) from closing its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O).

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said in a court filing on Wednesday that it would appeal a federal judge's ruling that Microsoft (MSFT.O) could go forward with its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O).