The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) recently announced its decision not to pursue an investigation into the collaboration between Microsoft and Mistral AI, marking the conclusion of weeks of deliberation following public feedback on the partnership. Microsoft’s $16 million investment in Mistral AI, aimed at integrating the French startup’s artificial intelligence models into its Azure platform, did not trigger scrutiny under Britain’s merger regulations, according to the CMA.
In response to the decision, a Microsoft spokesperson emphasized the importance of investment and collaboration in fostering innovation within the AI sector. The partnership with Mistral AI was characterized as a crucial step in supporting emerging players in the AI economy, with the CMA’s determination reflecting a recognition of the collaborative nature of the arrangement.
This decision comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of Big Tech’s engagements with AI startups, with European Union antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager emphasizing the need for robust competition in the AI landscape. While Microsoft’s investment in Mistral AI did not meet the threshold for a merger or acquisition, the CMA’s assessment underscores the significance of regulatory oversight in ensuring competition and innovation within the burgeoning AI sector.
