"Microsoft President Reconciles with UK CMA Post Activision Deal Approval"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has shifted his stance on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), now calling it "tough and fair" after the CMA's stringent standards forced Microsoft to restructure its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Initially, Smith was critical of the CMA for blocking the $68.7 billion deal, but concessions made by Microsoft, particularly regarding cloud gaming rights, led to the deal's approval in the UK. Despite the change in tone from Microsoft, the CMA criticized the company's previous engagement tactics. Meanwhile, the deal still faces challenges in the US, with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) continuing its pursuit against the acquisition.