Microsoft avoids big fine as EU accepts deal to unbundle Teams

Core Points - The European Union has accepted Microsoft's commitments to unbundle its Teams platform from its productivity apps, avoiding a potential antitrust fine [2][4] - Microsoft will offer Office 365 and Microsoft 365 suites at reduced prices without Teams and allow long-term license customers to switch to versions without Teams [4][5] - The commitments include a 50% increase in the price difference between suites with and without Teams, and clearer advertising for suites without Teams [5][6] Group 1 - The EU's decision binds Microsoft to end tying practices for at least seven years, promoting competition against Teams [3] - The antitrust investigation was initiated in July 2023 following a complaint from Salesforce-owned Slack, which competes with Teams [6] Group 2 - Microsoft has expressed appreciation for the dialogue with the EU Commission and is committed to implementing the new obligations promptly [6]