Archive · 19 May 2025
Microsoft Offers to Address EU Antitrust Concerns Over Office-Teams
Microsoft, the company that makes Windows and Office, is being investigated by the European Union (EU) because they bundle their Teams communication software with their Office software.
The EU is worried this might not be fair to other companies.
To solve this, Microsoft offered to sell Office without Teams at a lower price and make it easier for other companies' software to work with theirs.
The EU is now asking other companies and customers what they think about this offer.
If the EU agrees, Microsoft might avoid a big fine.
Microsoft says the offer will give Europeans more choices.
Microsoft offered to sell Office without Teams at a lower price and provide better interoperability to rivals.
The European Commission is seeking feedback from rivals and customers on Microsoft's offer.
The offer is in response to a 2020 complaint by Slack regarding the bundling of Teams with Office.
The case could have resulted in a significant antitrust fine for Microsoft.
Microsoft stated the proposal aims to give Europeans more choice.
- Who
- Microsoft and the European Commission are the main parties involved, with feedback being sought from rivals and customers.
- What
- Microsoft offered to unbundle Office and Teams, provide a lower price, and improve interoperability.
- When
- The offer was made recently, with the European Commission seeking feedback as of May 17, 2025.
- Where
- European Union
- Why
- To address EU antitrust concerns and avoid potential fines related to the bundling of Teams with Office.
Rivals and Customers
Microsoft
Impact of Microsoft's Offer
Rivals and Customers
Rivals and competitors are concerned the offer may not fully address competitive issues and may still disadvantage them.
Microsoft
Microsoft's offer resolves competition concerns and provides consumer choice.
- Company
- Microsoft
- Products Involved
- Office and Teams
- Complainant
- Slack
- Complaint Year
- 2020
- Regulatory Body
- European Commission
- Microsoft's response
- Offers better interoperability