EU: Google rethinks concessions as Commission’s case continues

As news emerged last week that the European Commission would not likely close its competition case into Google before European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia left his post later this year, reports say Google has responded by rethinking its concessions.

Google is said to be working on a revised offer to settle the case after ongoing criticism forced Almunia to reconsider accepting an offer. The company is under investigation for the way it displays its rivals’ search results, among other reasons.

Almunia said Friday that Google is working on a new round of settlement offers to close the case. But he added that there is still a chance the Commission will send Google a formal statement of objections if they cannot reach an agreement.

”I have now asked Google to improve the last commitments that were put forward at the end of January,” Almunia said Friday.

Reports said earlier this year that Almunia was likely looking to settle the Google case before he leaves his post at the end of October. But the latest developments confirm that his successor, Margrethe Vestager, will take over the case.

Almunia faced significant criticism for his earlier plans to accept Google’s concessions, reports said. He had attempted to quell any concerns earlier this year by hinting that Google would likely face new competition investigations in the near future.

Full content: The Daily Herald

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.