Microsoft Seeks EU Approval for $26 Billion LinkedIn Acquisition

Microsoft sought EU antitrust approval on Friday for its $26 billion bid for social network LinkedIn, a spokesman said on Friday, kicking off a month-long review by regulators of its largest deal.

“We filed today,” company spokesman Robin Koch said.

He said the European Commission has set a November 22 deadline to examine the case. The EUcompetition authority can either clear the deal with or without concessions or it can open a lengthy investigation if it has serious concerns.

(Also see:  Microsoft Dives Into Social With LinkedIn Deal)

US software company Salesforce has criticised the takeover, saying it threatens innovation and competition.

Microsoft is expected to say that there is more than enough competition from Facebook and social networks on smartphones.Antitrust regulators in the United States, Canada and Brazil have already cleared the deal.

© Thomson Reuters 2016