In the latest development of EA’s attempts to ensnare Take-2, the German Federal Cartel office has approved EA’s proposed purchase of the company. The German government is one of the three entities that EA’s proposal has been submitted to, along with the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission. The other two departments have not yet stated their ruling.

The FTC has definitely been taking its time, as of April 17 the organization explained that they were in need of more details from EA, and time to mull over the particulars of the planned buyout. EA’s last shopping spree, which involved Bioware and Pandemic Studios for $775 million, was approved by the Federal Trade Commission. The current hostile offer for Take-2 is $26.74 a share and expires on May 16. Anything could happen between now, then, and during the release of GTA IV, so make sure to check back with TGR for the latest information on one of EA’s most controversial buyouts, even though they haven’t actually bought anything yet.