NEWSLETTER-2017

121 COMPETITION LAW servers, and mobile devices, cross-device productivity applications, video games, as well as cloud-based solutions and online advertising. Microsoft also provides other software solutions, including customer relationship management, which is a type of software used by busi- nesses to manage their sales, marketing and customer support activi- ties 4 . LinkedIn is also a United States-based company that operates an internet-based social networking service with millions of members globally, and which focuses on promoting professional connections 5 . It generates revenues through the following product lines: ‘Talent so- lutions,’ which include recruiting tools and online education courses; ‘marketing solutions’ which allow individuals and enterprises to ad- vertise to LinkedIn’s professional social network members; and ‘pre- mium subscriptions’ for both consumers and businesses 6 . The Commission’s Investigation As to the Commission’s investigation, Microsoft and LinkedIn are mainly active in complementary business areas, except for minor overlaps in online advertising. While both Microsoft and LinkedIn provide some online advertising services, this is not at the core of either business. Thus, the Transaction only gives rise to limited hori- zontal overlaps while, at the same time, gives rise to a number of non- horizontal relationships 7 . In accordance with the European Union Merger Regulation, the Commission focused on three particular areas during its investigations: (i) professional social network services, (ii) customer relationship management software solutions, and (iii) online advertising services. These three areas are succinctly briefed, below. 4 European Commission - Press release, available at: http://europa.eu/rapid/press- release_IP-16-4284_en.htm (Access date: 07.04.2017). 5 European Commission - Press release, Brussels, 06.12.2016, available at: http:// europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-4284_en.htm (Access date: 07.04.2017). 6 Case M.8124- Microsoft / LinkedIn, p. 2. 7 Case M.8124- Microsoft / LinkedIn, p. 32.