Microsoft to defend Activision deal at EU hearing on Feb. 21

FILE PHOTO: Microsoft logo is seen on a smartphone placed on displayed Activision Blizzard logo in this illustration taken January 18, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - 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 Feb. 21, the U.S. 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.