SAP Avoids EU Antitrust Fine with Market Opening Commitments
The European Commission accepted SAP's commitments to open up its support market, closing an investigation into anticompetitive practices and averting a potential fine. The case dates back to September 2025, with SAP agreeing to changes in licence fee calculation, reinstatement fees, and back-maintenance charges. The move is seen as a negotiated exit, a preferred outcome in complex tech cases.
Key points
- SAP, the German software group, agreed to open up its support market to avoid an EU antitrust fine.
- The European Commission accepted SAP's commitments, closing an investigation into anticompetitive practices.
- The case dates back to September 2025, with regulators opening a probe into concerns over restricted competition in the aftermarket.
- SAP agreed to change its licence fee calculation method and scrap reinstatement fees.
- The company also reduced back-maintenance charges for customers who leave and later return.
The European Commission has accepted SAP's commitments to open up its support market, closing an investigation into anticompetitive practices and averting a potential fine. The case dates back to September 2025, when regulators opened a probe into concerns that SAP's practices restricted competition in the aftermarket for maintenance and support of its software.
SAP's concessions include a change in licence fee calculation method, which will allow customers to be priced more fairly for maintenance and service charges. The company has also agreed to scrap reinstatement fees, which were a major barrier to customers switching support providers. Additionally, SAP has reduced back-maintenance charges for customers who leave and later return, making it easier for them to switch and potentially saving them money.
The move is seen as a negotiated exit, a preferred outcome in complex tech cases. It allows both parties to avoid a lengthy and costly court battle, while also addressing the concerns of regulators. The outcome is a win for SAP, as it avoids a potential fine, and a win for customers, as they will have more flexibility and choice in the support market.
Sources
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