Microsoft More likely to Face EU Antitrust Investigation in Coming Months

Microsoft is prone to face an EU antitrust investigation within the coming months after treatment discussions with the EU watchdog to avert such a transfer seem to have hit a roadblock, individuals acquainted with the matter stated.

Microsoft, which has been fined EUR 2.2 billion (practically Rs. 19,670 crore) within the earlier decade for practices in breach of EU competitors guidelines, together with tying or bundling two or extra merchandise collectively, discovered itself within the EU crosshairs after a criticism by Salesforce-owned workspace messaging app Slack in 2020.

Microsoft added Groups to Workplace 365 in 2017 without spending a dime, with the app ultimately changing Skype for Enterprise. 

Slack alleged that its rival had unfairly built-in office chat and video app Groups into its Workplace product.

Microsoft kicked off talks with the European Fee final 12 months in a bid to stave off an investigation. It not too long ago supplied to chop the value of its Workplace product with out its Groups app.

The European Fee has been searching for a deeper worth minimize than that supplied by the U.S. software program large, the individuals stated.

The EU government declined to remark. 

A Microsoft spokesperson stated: “We proceed to have interaction cooperatively with the Fee in its investigation and are open to pragmatic options that handle its issues and serve prospects nicely.”

© Thomson Reuters 2023