Google could win EU okay for Fitbit deal - sources
Alphabet's Google is set to win EU antitrust approval for its $2.1 billion acquisition of fitness tracker maker Fitbit.
Sources told Reuters that it comes after Google made fresh concessions to address EU antitrust concerns.
The people familiar with the matter said Google has offered to restrict the use of Fitbit data, bolstering an earlier offer to the European Commission.
It has also reportedly offered to make it easier for rival makers of wearable devices to connect to Google's Android platform.
The Commission, which is scheduled to decide on the deal by Dec. 23rd, declined to comment.
The EU competition enforcer will now seek feedback from rivals and customers before deciding whether to accept the concessions, demand more, or either clear or block the detail.
Last month, it rejected Google's pledge not to use the fitness tracker's data for advertising purposes, saying that it was insufficient.
Healthcare providers, wearables rivals and privacy advocates have criticised the deal.
Fitbit was once the leader in the wearable devices market.
But as of the first quarter of this year it has a 3% share of the market lagging behind Apple's 29.3% share.
