Highlights:
- A top EU court adviser recommended upholding a €4.1 billion fine against Google for abusing Android’s dominance.
- Google’s legal challenge is likely to fail, although the final ruling is still pending.
- Google argues the decision could harm innovation and user freedom on open platforms.
- Mars offered no remedies for its $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, prompting EU regulators to consider a deeper probe.
- A full antitrust investigation into the Mars-Kellanova deal is expected to begin after June 25.
EU Adviser Recommends Upholding €4.1 Billion Fine Against Google
A senior legal adviser at the European Union’s top court has dealt a blow to Google by recommending that its appeal against a multibillion-euro fine be dismissed.
The penalty, originally imposed in 2018, was based on findings that Google used its Android operating system to unfairly limit competition by requiring phone manufacturers to pre-install Google apps.
Although the fine was reduced to €4.1 billion by a lower court in 2022, Google appealed the decision to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The court’s advocate general argued that Google’s market dominance and restrictive practices harmed competition, suggesting the appeal lacked merit. While her opinion is not binding, it often signals the likely outcome of the final judgment, expected later this year.
Google contends the ruling could undermine the openness of Android and stifle innovation, warning that it might set a damaging precedent for future platform development.
Mars Faces Deeper EU Scrutiny Over $36 Billion Kellanova Deal
In a separate antitrust development, Mars has failed to offer remedies to European regulators reviewing its proposed $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, the maker of popular snack brands like Pringles. The deadline to propose solutions passed without submission, increasing the likelihood of an extended investigation.
The deal raises concerns about the potential for Mars to expand its dominance across snack and cereal markets through portfolio power.
Regulators are expected to launch a full inquiry after June 25, which may lead to demands for asset divestitures or other concessions if competition concerns are confirmed.
What’s Next
Final judgment in the Google Android case is anticipated within months, while the Mars-Kellanova merger faces escalating regulatory hurdles.
Both cases underscore the EU’s continued focus on curbing market dominance in the tech and consumer goods sectors.
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