Dutch Competition Regulator Seeks Expanded Authority Following EU Decision on Microsoft’s Inflection Acquisition

The Dutch competition regulator is seeking more power following the European Union’s decision to drop its probe into Microsoft’s acquisition of Inflection. The move comes after concerns were raised about potential anti-competitive practices in the tech industry.

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has announced that it will be pushing for additional authority to investigate mergers and acquisitions in the tech sector. This decision comes after the EU Competition Commission closed its investigation into Microsoft’s takeover of Inflection, a data analytics company, earlier this month.

The ACM has expressed concerns about the growing power of tech giants like Microsoft and the potential impact on competition in the market. The regulator believes that it is essential to have the ability to thoroughly assess these types of deals to ensure fair competition and protect consumers.

The decision to seek more power comes as tech companies face increasing scrutiny from regulators around the world. The ACM’s move could signal a shift towards stricter oversight of mergers and acquisitions in the tech sector, as authorities aim to prevent monopolistic behavior and promote competition.

Microsoft has yet to comment on the ACM’s announcement, but the tech giant has previously stated that it is committed to complying with all regulatory requirements. The company’s acquisition of Inflection is part of its efforts to expand its data analytics capabilities and strengthen its position in the market.

Overall, the ACM’s push for more authority underscores the growing concerns about the power of tech companies and the need for stronger oversight in the industry. As regulators around the world continue to scrutinize tech mergers and acquisitions, it remains to be seen how this will impact the competitive landscape in the tech sector.