The New York Times reported that Salesforce “has raised concerns with Europe’s antitrust authorities about the potential takeover” as to “…whether Microsoft’s proposed deal would hinder access by people and companies to the vast collection of data held by LinkedIn.” The September 29, 2016 article entitled “Salesforce Is Said to Question Microsoft-LinkedIn Deal in Europe” includes these comments from Burke Norton (Salesforce.com’s chief legal officer):

Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of LinkedIn threatens the future of innovation and competition,
…Microsoft will be able to deny competitors access to that data, and in doing so obtain an unfair competitive advantage.

In response the New York Times included these comments from Brad Smith (Microsoft’s president and chief legal officer):

We’re committed to continue working to bring price competition to a C.R.M. [Customer Relationship Management] market in which Salesforce is the dominant participant charging customers higher prices today,

Stay tuned since Microsoft intends to proceed with its acquisition of LinkedIn.

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