Thu Sep 19 09:46:57 UTC 2024: ## Dutch Regulator Calls for More Power After EU Clears Microsoft AI Deal

**Amsterdam, Netherlands** – The Dutch market regulator, the Netherlands Authority of Consumers and Markets (ACM), has called for increased powers to investigate mergers and acquisitions, citing concerns about the potential impact of such deals on consumers and businesses. This statement comes a day after the European Union’s antitrust regulators declined to take action against Microsoft’s hiring of employees from AI startup Inflection.

While the EU has not seen cause for intervention, the ACM maintains that the Inflection deal warrants further scrutiny. “It remains to be seen if that deal will have any negative consequences for consumers and businesses in the country,” said ACM chairman Martijn Snoep. He emphasized that the current regulatory framework lacks the ability to adequately assess the effects of such acquisitions and prevent potential market power imbalances.

“In order to be able to do so, ACM requires a new power,” Snoep added. The ACM believes that granting it the authority to investigate such deals independently, along with the ability to refer these cases to the European Commission if they have EU-wide implications, is crucial for protecting Dutch consumers and ensuring fair competition.

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