Microsoft to defend Activision deal at EU hearing on February 21

Microsoft will make a last-ditch effort to defend its $69 billion bid for “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard in front of EU and national antitrust officials at a closed hearing on February 21, the US software company said on Tuesday.

The company asked for the hearing after receiving a statement of objections from the European Commission warning about the possible anti-competitive effects of the deal.