"Microsoft President Reconciles with UK CMA Post Xbox-Activision Deal"
Microsoft President Brad Smith has shifted his perspective on the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), now describing the regulator as "tough, but fair" in its handling of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Initially, Smith had criticized the UK CMA, suggesting it represented some of Microsoft's "darkest days" and that the UK was "closed for business." However, following regulatory concessions that allowed the deal to proceed, including licensing out cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft, Smith acknowledges the pragmatic approach of the CMA. Microsoft's acquisition faced global scrutiny but has since closed, with the company also announcing a £2.5 billion investment in UK cloud infrastructure and AI, aiming to create 20,000 jobs. Despite the resolution in the UK, Microsoft continues to face legal challenges from the US FTC over the acquisition.