In this letter, the FTC calls into question Microsoft's commitment to maintaining the independence of the two entities post-merger, an issue that was pivotal during the antitrust proceedings. During the trial, Microsoft had assured the court that the merged company would be structured and operated in a manner that would facilitate divestiture of any or all of Activision's businesses, should such action be deemed necessary. However, the FTC argues that the recent layoffs stand in stark contrast to these promises, undermining the notion of operational independence. Read more: FTC To Appeal Decision Allowing Microsoft's Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard The heart of the FTC's contention lies in Microsoft's justification for the layoffs, which the company stated were aimed at eliminating areas of overlap between its existing operations and those of Activision. The FTC deems this explanation inconsistent with Microsoft's earlier claims of post-merger autonomy for the two companies.