CMA Clears Microsoft's $16M Investment in French AI Startup Mistral, No Threat to UK Competition Found
May 18, 2024
The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will not investigate Microsoft's partnership with Mistral AI.
Mistral AI, a French startup, received a $16 million investment from Microsoft.
The CMA concluded that the partnership does not meet the criteria for a full investigation under the Enterprise Act.
The decision marks the end of the inquiry process, determining no threat to competition in the UK market from the partnership.
Microsoft emphasizes the importance of investment and partnerships for fostering innovation in the AI economy.
European Union antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager highlights the significance of competition in the AI sector.
The CMA had previously sought comments on partnerships between tech giants and AI startups as part of a broader investigation.
Summary based on 14 sources
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Sources

CNBC • May 17, 2024
Microsoft's Mistral partnership avoids merger probe by British regulators
AP News • May 17, 2024
UK watchdog decides not to investigate Microsoft's AI partnership with France's Mistral
Fortune • May 17, 2024
Microsoft partnership with France’s Mistral AI won’t face British antitrust probe
ABC News • May 17, 2024
UK watchdog decides not to investigate Microsoft's AI partnership with France's Mistral