Microsoft files for EU approval of LinkedIn acquisition

Today, Microsoft filed for the European Union’s (EU) approval regarding their recent purchase of LinkedIn for $26.2 billion. Recently, Salesforce moved to block Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn in the EU, citing antitrust issues.  In a statement, Salesforce Chief Legal Officer Burke Norton said the sale would make Microsoft “anticompetitive” and “threatens the future of innovation and competition.” Salesforce believes that the sale would also give Microsoft an “unfair competitive advantage.”

Microsoft company spokesperson Robin Koch stated, “We [Microsoft] filed today.” The European Commission has until November 22, 2016, to view the case and decide whether or not any action needs to be taken. Microsoft’s purchase of LinkedIn has already been approved by government antitrust regulators in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.