Google provided European cloud companies with over $500 million to pursue an antitrust case against Microsoft

Google’s Attempt to Derail Antitrust Settlement

Google reportedly offered a group of EU-based cloud firms $512 million (€470 million) in an unsuccessful attempt to derail an antitrust settlement with Microsoft, according to Bloomberg. The settlement proceeded despite Google’s efforts.

Negotiations with Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe

Negotiations between Microsoft and the Cloud Infrastructure Services Providers in Europe (CISPE) to address a complaint alleging difficulties in changing cloud providers led to a financial offer from Google. The offer included software licenses worth $495 million or €455 million, along with cash and a partnership proposal.

Google’s offer was contingent on CISPE continuing its antitrust complaint against Microsoft, which ultimately did not sway the group. Instead, CISPE reached an agreement with Microsoft, allowing them to use enhanced Azure features and offer Microsoft products on their local cloud infrastructures.