BID FOR FITBIT FACES HEADWINDS

Google's bid to win EU approval for its US$2.1-billion purchase of Fitbit faces headwinds as rivals and customers argue concessions to EU antitrust regulators do not go far enough, two people familiar with the matter say. Alphabet's Google last week offered to restrict the use of Fitbit data for Google ads and to monitor the process closely. It also offered to make it easier for rival makers of wearables to connect to the Android platform by offering them access to Android software (API), and said third parties would continue to have access to Fitbit users' data with their consent. The European Commission is now seeking feedback before making a decision. Other sources have said the new concessions are likely to help Google secure EU clearance. Some rivals and customers, however, plan to tell the EU competition enforcer to ask for more, the people said.