EC may conclude Microsoft antitrust probe by end of March

It has been reported in the French press that the European Commission will discuss draft conclusions to its Microsoft Corp antitrust probe with representatives of competition authorities from all 15 member states on March 15.

But the issue of the size of the fine expected to be levied on Microsoft will not be raised with member states until a second meeting, according to sources.

The first meeting had originally been scheduled for March 3, but was postponed to allow the commission further time to formulate its conclusions, especially on the issue of intellectual property rights.

The commission decision is expected to be announced at the end of March.

It has also been suggested that the EU competition regulators may give the software giant more leeway than previously expected in terms of how it resolves antitrust violations.