Overview

• The European Commission launched an in‑depth investigation into allegations that SAP ties maintenance and support to software licenses and uses automatic renewals that hinder switching to rivals.
• Officials say customers may be forced to pay for support on unused licenses and face steep cancellation or reactivation fees, potentially reducing choice and raising costs.
• Competition chief Teresa Ribera said the model may unfairly restrict other providers and leave European customers with fewer options at higher prices.
• SAP rejects the claims, pledges to cooperate, and says it expects no material financial impact while retaining the option to offer binding commitments to resolve the case.
• There is no set timetable for the probe; if violations are confirmed, fines could reach up to 10% of global turnover, and SAP shares fell as much as 2.6% after the announcement.