The European Union (E.U.) cleared a major hurdle for the Microsoft and Nokia merger.
According to the E.U., the Commission concluded the Microsoft acquisition of Nokia's mobile division will not violate competition concerns, particularly overlaps between the Redmond-based organization's mobile operating system platforms, apps and mail server software.
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The Commission also found the effects of the Nokia and Microsoft merger will have "minimal" overlap against rivals such as Apple and Samsung.
In addition, the Commission believes any potential concerns after the transaction's finalization will fall "outside the scope" of the E.U. Merger Regulation.
Despite clearing the merger, the Commission stated it will "remain vigilant" and monitor the acquisition as part of the E.U.'s antitrust rules, ensuring the prohibition of "abuse of a dominant market position."
The Commission also investigated a "number" of "vertical relationships" between Microsoft and Nokia, particularly in the mobile operating system (OS) and apps market.
"Microsoft is unlikely to restrict the supply of its Windows OSs for smart mobile devices to third party device manufacturers after the transaction," wrote the Commission. "Indeed, Microsoft's share in the mobile OS market is limited. Moreover, to better compete with the leading Android and Apple OS platforms, Microsoft likely needs to continue relying on third party device suppliers to broaden consumer adoption and attract mobile app developers."
As Latinos Post reported, the U.S. Department of Justice cleared for Microsoft and Nokia to merge in a deal worth $7.2 billion. According to Microsoft, the tentative merger is projected for final approval by early 2014.
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