This is sounding bad enough for the CMA that I think it’s possible the deal might actually close this week

It might be not a bad thing actually, to let the CMA and MS use the 24th of July hearing to agree to quash phase 2. The CMA could then give MS the OK to close pending a new investigation which the CMA could take as much time as it wants to complete and not be limited by the August 29th date. 

However, the CMA might want to avoid having additional procedures set in place by the CAT by the loss.

Lol.

Lol, the Judge is like, stop playing games. Is this going to be a done deal or what so we all can go home and get some ice cream

Increasingly looking like a face saving operation by the CMa and the CAT does not appear to be pleased.

The CMA made their mind up from day one and just came up with any shitty reason to block the deal, then started having 2nd thoughts when the FTC got clapped in court (and the EC didn't have their back) and now want to change their mind but use a cover instead of admitting to them making a mistake, it's a "new" merger evaluation they say, but it really isn't, they could have had these proposals in the 1st one, Lol.

Microsoft wants what CMA wants though (a pause, lets work on a new deal and get this through)...So the Judge being angry at the CMA isn't really benefitting Microsoft.

Sounds like Microsoft's lawyer is arguing against the quash and they basically said they won't close over the CMA.

They want to come to a new deal with the CMA and this route is the fastest, but the Judge is not sure the legal route to take because the whole situation is a fucking mess now. The deal seems a done thing at this stage but Microsoft/CMA and the Judge can't seem to get on the same page on how or when the deal will be done.

The Judge needs a very strong reason to postpone the CAT hearing. Neither Microsoft or CMA are really providing one so far.

Microsoft/CMA want the same thing but CMA has fucked things up so much, the Judge is trying to find a way through law and procedure.

I remember Brad Smith statement on the difference between the CMA and the EU.  He specifically stated how the EU voiced their concerns and worked with MS to address them while the CMA pretty much closed up shop then out of the blue threw out their judgement basically giving the impression the the CMA never was interested in approving the deal.

I guess the big question is what if the CMA takes a look at this new MS deal and still decides to deny it. Its basically wasting the CAT time with no assurance that this new deal will develop into the CMA approving the deal and the CAT does not have to go through all this crap again. The CMA does not want to give any assurance but they really should have enough info to know what they want from MS and stop playing games.