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EU Extends Google, Fitbit Deal To January 8

By  |  October 16, 2020

EU antitrust regulators have extended their investigation into Alphabet unit Google’s $2.1 billion purchase of Fitbit to Jan. 8 from Dec. 23, reported Reuters.

Such extensions are usually granted when companies ask for more time. Google last month offered to restrict the use of Fitbit data for Google ads, make it easier for rival makers of wearables to connect to the Android platform and allow third parties to continue to have access to Fitbit users’ data with their consent.

Google revised the package after the European Commission received feedback from rivals and consumers, the people said, declining to provide details. The move could also help stave off a possible EU charge sheet setting out specific concerns.

The EU competition enforcer has to date not sought further feedback from the market, indicating the changes have likely passed muster with the Commission

“The wearables space is crowded, and we believe the combination of Google and Fitbit’s hardware efforts will increase competition in the sector, benefiting consumers and making the next generation of devices better and more affordable,” Google said.