The Swiss Competition Commission (ComCo) opened a preliminary investigation into Microsoft’s licensing fees for its Microsoft 365 suite, following complaints from rival firms that the company’s pricing has risen significantly.
Microsoft’s global pricing policy, announced in September 2023, reduced Swiss franc prices for Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 by 9%. Local pricing reviews occur twice a year, adjusting for exchange rate fluctuations, but the recent complaints suggest that the current structure may still be perceived as anti‑competitive.
Microsoft 365 Commercial products and cloud services generated $10.8 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025, a 14 % increase from the prior year, underscoring the segment’s importance to the company’s overall earnings.
If the investigation leads to a formal antitrust proceeding, Microsoft could face fines and be required to modify its pricing structure in Switzerland, potentially reducing its revenue from the Microsoft 365 subscription business.
Microsoft has stated it will cooperate fully with the Swiss authorities, noting that it remains committed to complying with Swiss competition law.
The probe is part of a broader pattern of regulatory scrutiny that Microsoft has faced in other jurisdictions, including the UK, the EU, and Brazil, where investigations have focused on bundling practices and pricing power.
Swiss competition law, enforced under the Cartel Act, applies to any agreement that has an effect on the Swiss market, even if the agreement is governed by foreign law, meaning that Microsoft’s global pricing strategy is subject to local oversight.
Preliminary investigations by ComCo typically last several months before a formal proceeding is opened, but the exact timeline remains unclear.
A pricing adjustment could alter the mix of subscription plans sold in Switzerland, potentially affecting the company’s ability to maintain its 14 % growth trajectory in the region.
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