EU, Microsoft fail to agree antitrust deal

The European Commission and Microsoft failed to reach a settlement to a landmark antitrust case today and the EU executive will…

The European Commission and Microsoft failed to reach a settlement to a landmark antitrust case today and the EU executive will now rule against the US software giant, the top EU regulator said.

"I'd just like to inform you that a settlement on the Microsoft case has not been possible," Competition Commissioner Mr Mario Monti told a news conference.

Although substantial progress had been made towards solving past problems, the Commission was unable to agree with Microsoft on commitments for future business practices and had decided that a clear legal ruling next Wednesday would be better for consumers and for competition, he said.

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