As Google slowly integrates recently-acquired mapping app Waze into Google Maps – despite earlier assurance the two would remain independent – the UK’s Office of Fair Trading announced plans to probe the deal and its effects on competition.
According to reports, the OFT will determine whether the buyout qualifies for a full-scale investigation as Google currently leads the market for navigation technology. If qualifications are met, including the requisite that Waze must exceed $70 million in annual turnover, the watchdog could refer the deal to the Competition Commission or require concessions from Google to appease any competition concerns found through the investigation.
Google acquired Israel-based Waze last June for $1 billion. In recent weeks, iPhone users saw their Google Maps application updated with integrated Waze services, including real-time traffic updates.
Full Content: The Telegraph
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
UFC Reaches $375 Million Settlement in Antitrust Case
Feb 6, 2025 by
CPI
Brazilian Architecture Council Convicted of Antitrust Violations
Feb 6, 2025 by
CPI
Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Ban Chinese AI Software from US Government Devices
Feb 6, 2025 by
CPI
Senators Call for Investigation into RealPage Algorithm’s Impact on Military Housing Costs
Feb 6, 2025 by
CPI
ECB Seeks Faster Digital Euro Legislation Amid US Stablecoin Push
Feb 6, 2025 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – International Criminal Enforcement
Jan 23, 2025 by
CPI
The Antitrust Division’s Recent Work to Combat International Cartels
Jan 23, 2025 by
Emma Burnham & Benjamin Christenson
Information Sharing: The New Frontier of U.S. Antitrust Enforcement
Jan 23, 2025 by
Brian P. Quinn, Casey Kovarik & Michael Tubach
The Key Role of Guidelines on Exchanges of Information Among Competitors and the Divergent Transatlantic Paths
Jan 23, 2025 by
Rosa Abrantes-Metz & Albert Metz
Leniency, Whistleblowers, and Compliance
Jan 23, 2025 by
Richard Powers, Tara O’Malley & Cory Gordon