Microsoft / OpenAI partnership merger inquiry

The CMA is investigating the partnership between Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) and OpenAI, Inc. (OpenAI)

Phase 1

Statutory timetable

Date Action
8 December 2023 to 3 January 2024 Invitation to comment (*)

(*) The CMA has decided to investigate and is inviting comments.

Invitation to comment: closes on 3 January 2024

8 December 2023: The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI, or any changes thereto, has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments from any interested party, in advance of the CMA’s formal investigation starting.

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition issues to microsoft.openAI@cma.gov.uk

Published 8 December 2023