Microsoft's hiring of staff from AI startup Inflection is being investigated in a UK merger probe.

Microsoft's hiring of staff from AI startup Inflection is being investigated in a UK merger probe.
Microsoft's hiring of staff from AI startup Inflection is being investigated in a UK merger probe.
  • An initial merger investigation in the U.K. has been launched following Microsoft's hiring of employees from artificial intelligence startup Inflection.
  • If the Competition and Markets Authority determines that a case requires further investigation, it can refer it for a "Phase 2" probe.

An initial merger investigation in the U.K. has been launched regarding the hiring of certain former employees from artificial intelligence startup Inflection.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in Britain has stated that the hiring of Mustafa Suleyman, Inflection's co-founder, and most of the startup's staff should be evaluated to determine if it qualifies as a merger under U.K. regulations, which could potentially reduce competition in the AI industry.

The CMA may refer the case for a more in-depth investigation, called a "Phase 2" probe, if it finds reason to do so. The CMA will announce whether to refer the case for a Phase 2 investigation by Sept. 11.

This is a breaking news story. Please refresh for updates.

by Ryan Browne

Technology