"Microsoft President Reconciles with UK's Stance Post-Activision Deal Impasse"

Microsoft President Brad Smith has acknowledged the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as "tough and fair" for initially blocking Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which led to changes in the deal structure. Microsoft agreed to spin out certain cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft for 15 years, which satisfied the CMA's concerns and allowed the deal to proceed. Despite the approval in the UK, Microsoft is still facing scrutiny from the US Federal Trade Commission, with a decision pending from the United States Court of Appeals.