Google gets extra time to reply to EU’s competition complaint

Google got an additional two weeks to prepare its response to the European Union's antitrust complaint accusing the internet giant of abusing its dominance of the search-engine market.

The European Commission gave Google until August 31st to respond to the so-called statement of objections (SO) sent in April. The California-based company, initially was supposed to submit a filing in July before getting a previous six-week extension.

The case is part of a nearly five-year-old investigation into allegations the company favours its own services over those of rivals in search-engine results. The investigation has resulted in three failed settlement bids, which continually ran into heated opposition.

“Google requested additional time to reply to the SO. In line with normal practice, the commission analysed the reasons for the request,” Ricardo Cardoso, a spokesman for the commission said on Thursday. “As a result, it has granted an extension allowing Google to fully exercise its rights of defence.”

The latest delay, during a month when most EU officials, including competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, are on holiday, is unlikely to have much of an effect on the overall timetable for the resolution of the case. In addition to the written filing, Google has the option of seeking an oral hearing attended by EU officials and representatives from companies that filed the initial complaints to regulators.

Bloomberg