Four US senators have urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to thoroughly review Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. They are concerned that Bobby Kotick won’t be held accountable after stepping down from his role as Activision’s CEO.
Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, and Sheldon Whitehouse are worried that the deal could exacerbate numerous harassment and discrimination allegations against Activision Blizzard, according to a letter obtained by The Wall Street Journal.
The senators are especially concerned about Bobby Kotick leaving the company with an exit package without any consequences. They think that the Activision Blizzard CEO must be held accountable for the toxic work environment created at the company.
“This lack of accountability, despite shareholders, employees, and the public calling for Kotick to be held responsible for the culture he created, would be an unacceptable result of the proposed Microsoft acquisition,” the letter reads.
The FTC should oppose the merger to protect workers and ensure that it won’t affect their negotiations with the company, the senators said.
Earlier this week, the court approved a $18 settlement Activision Blizzard reached with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which could result in a victory for the company in other harassment-related suits.
The senator’s letter isn’t the first appeal to the FTC, which is responsible for reviewing the Microsoft-Activation deal. Last month, 15 advocacy groups, including labor union Communication Workers of America, urged the commission to scrutinize the merger to prevent potential damage to the market.