At least one Democrat on the four-member panel has recently taken a sympathetic view of the merger, according to a source close to the situation.
That, in turn, could create a difficult path for FTC Chair Lina Khan — who according to insiders has eyed Microsoft’s deal as a major target as she looks to burnish her credentials as a trustbuster of Big Tech.scrutinizing the deal’s impact on workers
A Democratic defection would leave Khan with a 2-2 tie in any vote to clamp down on the merger — a result that would not only effectively OK the deal but also throw Khan’s authority over the agency into question. That, accordingly, is a vote that Khan isn’t likely to risk, according to DC insiders. Politicos will likely be calling commissioners like mother Rebecca Slaughter pressuring them to support the merger.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in July reportedly went to Washington state to meet Microsoft President Brad Smith and discuss, among other things, the pending Activision merger and its potential impact on New York. They also reportedly met in February.
As reported by The Post early last month, Microsoft’s stubborn refusal to offer concrete concessions to regulators and rivals in exchange for winning the deal has been a major sticking point. If Microsoft is finally showing a willingness to budge, that weakens any case by the FTC to block the merger — and emboldens dissenters, according to experts.
“It does become hard to say, ‘This is not good enough,'” said Kovacic, who now puts the chances of the merger getting approved at 70%. “It becomes more difficult for the Commission to push this aside.”
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Second group of Activision Blizzard testers wins union vote | EngadgetA second batch of Activision Blizzard QA workers has voted to form a union..
Read more »
Big Tech’s Boogeymen In WashingtonOn today’s What Next TBD: Do the FTC and DOJ have what it takes to tame Big Tech?
Read more »
Ask Amy: Mother-in-law causing a rift in the familyWhile my husband and his ex-wife were divorcing, she took the grand “children” (they’re twins in their early 20s) and their mother to Disney World!
Read more »
Ask Amy: My mother-in-law is causing a rift that’s hurting my husbandDear Amy: My mother-in-law is causing a rift in the family that’s hurting my husband.
Read more »
Royal rift in spotlight after Harry, Meghan's Netflix trailer release during William, Kate's US tripAfter months of anticipation, the public got a first glimpse of Prince Harry and Meghan's upcoming docuseries.
Read more »
McIlroy says Norman rift began with his 'brainwash' commentRory McIlroy is detailing how his relationship soured with Greg Norman in a lengthy interview with the Sunday Independent in Ireland.
Read more »