EBay adds weight to Google’s antitrust defense in Brussels

(Reuters) – eBay Inc. Chief Executive John Donahoe has added weight to Google Inc.’s defense of an antitrust case, saying the two companies are direct competitors in online shopping, the Financial Times reported. Barriers between different areas of online commerce are breaking down, Donahoe told the FT, underscoring the challenges the European Commission faces in dealing with the high-profile case. In an emailed statement to Reuters, eBay said Donahoe’s remarks were not intended to be related to the European Commission’s case against Google. “While the specific complaint against Google has not been made public, we believe the Commission is investigating important issues related to the internet ecosystem,” eBay said. The Financial Times also updated its article to include eBay’s response. The European Union has accused Google of deceiving consumers and competitors by distorting internet search results to favor its own shopping service, following a five-year investigation that could change the rules of online business. Google said in a blog post that it strongly disagrees with the EU’s statement of opposition and intends to argue that its products are pro-competitive and benefit consumers. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru; Editing by Anupama Dwivedi)