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SAP Offers Concessions to Ease EU Antitrust Concerns

By  |  September 22, 2025

SAP, the largest software maker in Europe, has put forward concessions aimed at addressing regulatory concerns from the European Union’s competition authority, according to Reuters. The move is designed to head off a potential probe and avoid what could be a hefty fine.

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    The German company is a global leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, which helps businesses manage core functions like finance, supply chains, human resources, and procurement. For years, SAP has been under scrutiny in Brussels after companies complained about complex licensing terms, high costs linked to bundled services, and obstacles to switching to rival providers, per Reuters.

    Sources familiar with the matter said SAP submitted a proposal to the European Commission in response to these concerns, though they did not disclose specific details. The Commission, which enforces EU competition rules, has the power to impose penalties of up to 10% of a company’s worldwide turnover if it concludes there are violations. Both SAP and the Commission declined to comment on the proposal.

    A 2022 questionnaire circulated by the Commission and reviewed by Reuters showed regulators probing issues tied to SAP and U.S. software company Oracle, particularly around aftermarket support for ERP services. Companies were asked whether they faced barriers in switching providers, choosing support services, or moving from on-premise to cloud-based solutions. Oracle did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

    Read more: SAP Wins Early Legal Victory in Antitrust Dispute with Celonis

    According to Reuters, remedies in similar cases typically include giving customers greater flexibility in how they contract for services and ensuring easier transitions to competing platforms. Such measures are meant to reduce lock-in and prevent unfair competitive practices.

    SAP is also facing scrutiny in the United States. In June, the company petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court ruling requiring it to face an antitrust lawsuit from Teradata, a U.S.-based data technology firm. Teradata has accused SAP of engaging in anti-competitive behavior, and the case could add to the company’s mounting legal and regulatory challenges.

    Source: Reuters