EC delays antitrust decision

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 9 Jun 2003 at 11:33

The European Commission is extending its four-year investigation into the business practices of Microsoft by four months, with a final decision not expected before October.

Neither side have commented publicly on the extension, but sources within the EC have told various news agencies that the reason behind the delay is to give the EC more time to strengthen its case.

Because the US antitrust ruling turned out to be something of a damp squib, rival companies and interested parties are looking to the EC to come up with a settlement with more punitive and broad-ranging qualities.

Last week the EC said it had sent out surveys to media companies about Microsoft's behaviour, but it was also revealed last week tha AOL and Microsoft had made up and settled a private antitrust suit - thus potentially depriving the EC of one of Microsoft's previously fiercest heavyweight critics.

See also:

AOL, Microsoft settle antitrust suit