Headlines
UK drops antitrust probe into Microsoft and OpenAI tie-up
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 5, 2025
1 min readLast updated: January 25, 2026
Quick Summary
The UK has ended its antitrust investigation into Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, citing lack of control. The partnership is seen as promoting competition and innovation.
UK Ends Antitrust Investigation into Microsoft and OpenAI Partnership
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain dropped its probe into Microsoft's <MSFT.O> partnership with ChatGPT maker OpenAI on Wednesday, saying the software giant did not have the level of control over the AI company that would warrant further investigation.
The partnership came under antitrust scrutiny in Britain and the U.S. last year following the startup's boardroom battle that led to the exit and return of CEO Sam Altman.
Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said although Microsoft did acquire material influence over OpenAI in 2019, it had not since gained de facto control and therefore it did not qualify for review under the UK's merger control regime.
A Microsoft spokesperson said the partnership with OpenAI and its continued evolution "promote competition, innovation, and responsible AI development".
"We welcome the CMA's conclusion, after careful and prudent consideration of the commercial realities, to close its investigation," the spokesperson said.
(Reporting by Muvija M and Paul Sandle, writing by Sarah Young, editing by Catarina Demony)
Key Takeaways
- •UK ends antitrust investigation into Microsoft and OpenAI.
- •Microsoft does not have de facto control over OpenAI.
- •CMA found no grounds for further review under merger control.
- •The partnership promotes competition and innovation.
- •Microsoft welcomes the closure of the investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK drops antitrust probe into Microsoft and OpenAI tie-up
1What was the outcome of the UK's investigation into Microsoft and OpenAI?
Britain dropped its probe into Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI, concluding that Microsoft did not have de facto control over the AI company.
2Why was the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI under scrutiny?
The partnership came under antitrust scrutiny in Britain and the U.S. due to a boardroom battle at OpenAI that involved the exit and return of CEO Sam Altman.
3What did the Competition and Markets Authority conclude about Microsoft's influence?
The CMA stated that while Microsoft acquired material influence over OpenAI in 2019, it had not gained de facto control since then, which led to the closure of the investigation.
4How did Microsoft respond to the CMA's conclusion?
A Microsoft spokesperson welcomed the CMA's conclusion, stating that the partnership promotes competition, innovation, and responsible AI development.
