U.K. regulator to probe whether Microsoft has control over OpenAI

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority on Friday said it was seeking comment on whether Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI “has resulted in a relevant merger situation and, if so, the impact that the merger could have on competition in the U.K.” The regulator noted the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI includes a multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment, collaboration in technology development and exclusive provision of cloud services by Microsoft to OpenAI. There have recently been a number of developments in the governance of OpenAI, some of which involved Microsoft, it noted, a reference to Sam Altman getting fired, and then re-hired, as CEO, with a new board. The regulator said it will review whether the partnership has resulted in an acquisition of control. Microsoft shares slipped 0.5% in premarket trade, having rallied 55% this year.