FTC seeks preliminary injunction against ICE’s acquisition of Black Knight

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has called for a temporary halt to the proposed acquisition of Black Knight, a mortgage technology firm, by Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). The FTC has expressed concerns that the deal could lead to reduced competition, ultimately hurting consumers. The proposed merger, worth $11 billion, has already faced opposition from industry experts and other regulators. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind the FTC’s request and what it could mean for the future of this acquisition.


The US Federal Trade Commission has taken action against the Intercontinental Exchange’s proposed acquisition of Black Knight by seeking a court injunction to halt the deal whilst its internal administrative process takes place. The agency had previously expressed its intention to prevent the $13.1bn deal from going ahead as planned, citing concerns around higher fees, reduced innovation and fewer financing choices. Black Knight shareholders were due to vote on the transaction on 28 April, with the FTC’s administrative hearing taking place from 12 July. Intercontinental Exchange has stated its plans to fight the FTC’s actions.


It remains to be seen what the future holds for Intercontinental Exchange’s deal for Black Knight. The FTC’s request for a temporary halt sends a clear message that it intends to thoroughly review the potential effects of the merger on competition in the industry. As the case moves forward, it will be important to keep a close eye on any updates or developments. Ultimately, the decision will have a significant impact not just on the companies involved, but also on the broader landscape of the financial technology sector.