EC Formally Objects To Oracle's Purchase of Sun

eldavojohn writes "The EC has presented Oracle and Sun with a statement of objections. Despite the promotion of former MySQL CEO Marten Mickos, the statement seems to focus entirely on what many have feared: MySQL vs. Oracle databases. From Sun's 8-K SEC filing: 'The Statement of Objections sets out the Commission's preliminary assessment regarding, and is limited to, the combination of Sun's open source MySQL database product with Oracle's enterprise database products and its potential negative effects on competition in the market for database products.' The EU and the EC are getting a rep for disagreeing with US counterparts." On Monday afternoon the DoJ reiterated its support for the deal. Matthew Aslett has a helpful timeline of the action from the EC.

Comments

Re:Why does Oracle need MySQL anyway?

[The_Quinn]

Ellisons refusal to spin it off is the strongest indication that the purpose of acquiring MySQL as part of the deal is anti-competitive.

You actually have it completely backwards. Ellison is, in fact, being competitive through the acquisition. It is the EU who is being anti-competitive, by wielding government force against what would otherwise be a voluntary, mutually agreed upon transaction.