The Register® — Biting the hand that feeds IT

Microsoft unhappy with Google DoubleClick marriage

Jilted lover labels deal anti-competitive

Join our expert panel in discussing application security

Microsoft is calling for regulator action to stop Google and DoubleClick merging, saying the deal would be anti-competitive if it went through.

The software giant's general counsel Brad Smith, who has acted for Microsoft in various anti-competition cases, told Reuters: "This proposed acquisition raises serious competition and privacy concerns. We think this merger deserves close scrutiny from regulatory authorities to ensure a competitive online advertising market."

Smith said Microsoft had not talked to regulators, but had talked to other companies.

According to spokespeople, AT&T is also concerned the deal would put Google in a dominant position in online advertising.

But Google CEO Eric Schmidt told the New York Times that Microsoft's claims were untrue. He said it was easy for businesses to switch to rival providers and that other issues would be debated with regulators as the deal went through.

Microsoft was reportedly in the bidding to buy DoubleClick, but was beaten by Google. ®

See what The Register's experts have to say on application security

Don’t Miss

Win a Samsung C6625!

Reg Lucky Draw Windows Mobile handsets up for grabs

Palm_Pre_001_SMIs your cameraphone an oxymoron?

Pic Review iPhone 3G v iPhone 3GS v Palm Pre

Vulture logo with head phonesWindows 7, Bing and security: Mr Ballmer regrets

Steve hopes Microsoft money can buy your love

Sign up, sign up for The Register IT security newsletter

Narrowcasting for the email classes