The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will reportedly be taking the reins on reviewing Microsoft’s intended acquisition of Activision Blizzard – amid a more aggressive stance from the government agency on Big Tech mergers.

Bloomberg reports that a source pointed to the FTC taking the lead role in investigating the proposed takeover – a job it handles alongside the Justice Department. The role of the review is to determine whether the near-$70 billion deal could harm consumers, rivals, and partners.

On the same day as Microsoft’s deal was announced, the Justice Department and FTC announced plans to rewrite merger guidelines, warning that US industries had become increasingly concentrated. FTC chair Lina Khan said that such concentration could lead to price rises and lower wages.

Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Deal Will Reportedly Be Reviewed By the FTC – IGN