![](https://www.pymnts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Microsoft-AI-1.jpg)
The European Union has leveled serious antitrust accusations against Microsoft, alleging that the tech giant engaged in “abusive” practices by bundling its Teams communication software with its popular Office productivity suites, Office 365 and Microsoft 365. This announcement was reported by CNBC on Tuesday.
In a formal Statement of Objections, the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, stated, “The European Commission has informed Microsoft of its preliminary view that Microsoft has breached EU antitrust rules by tying its communication and collaboration product Teams to its popular productivity applications included in its suites for businesses Office 365 and Microsoft 365.”
The Commission’s concerns arose despite Microsoft’s attempt last year to alleviate antitrust worries by unbundling Teams from Microsoft 365. However, the changes were deemed “insufficient to address its concerns and that more changes to Microsoft’s conduct are necessary to restore competition,” according to the Commission’s Tuesday statement.
Read more: Microsoft Offers to Charge for Teams in EU to Appease Watchdog
The EU’s investigation into Microsoft began in July 2023, triggered by a complaint from Slack, a rival chat service owned by Salesforce. Slack accused Microsoft of unfairly bundling Teams with its Office products, thereby stifling competition.
A Statement of Objections is a crucial step in European Commission investigations, outlining the specific concerns and allowing the implicated companies to respond. Should the Commission find that an infringement has occurred following these responses, it has the authority to prohibit the conduct and impose fines of up to 10% of the company’s global revenue.
This latest development underscores the EU’s ongoing scrutiny of major tech firms and their business practices, emphasizing the region’s commitment to maintaining fair competition in the market.
Featured News
NFL Found Guilty of Antitrust Violations in ‘Sunday Ticket’ Trial, Must Pay $4.8 Billion
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
StarKist and Former Bumble Bee Foods Owner Settle US Price-Fixing Suit
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Senate Probes Oil Giants for Price-Fixing with OPEC
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Spain to Lodge Anti-Competitive Complaint Against French Rail Operator Ouigo
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Jury Deliberates NFL’s ‘Sunday Ticket’ Class-Action Lawsuit
Jun 27, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Private Equity Roll-Up Schemes
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
The FTC’s Focus on Private Equity is Warranted
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Unraveling the Roll-Up: Private Equity’s Misunderstood Investment Strategy
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Focus on Private Equity Funds and Serial Acquisitions
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI
Private Equity Roll-Ups Amidst Heightened Antitrust Enforcement
Jun 28, 2024 by
CPI