Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) hiring of key staff from AI startup Inflection, including co-founder Mustafa Suleyman, is under initial merger investigation in the UK. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating whether the hiring of Suleyman and most of Inflection’s other startup staff could reduce competition in AI.
The CMA has stated that if it finds sufficient reason to investigate further, an in-depth “Phase 2” inquiry will follow, with a decision expected by September 11.
Microsoft’s Response to the Probe
In response, Microsoft stated that it remains confident that hiring talented individuals promotes competition. The company also mentioned its willingness to cooperate with the CMA. Suleyman was appointed Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft AI, while Karen Simonyan joined as Chief Scientist. Microsoft AI is a newly formed unit of the tech giant focusing on AI…
