Cloud providers challenge Broadcom's termination of VMware's partner program in EU antitrust filing.
A trade association of cloud service providers filed an antitrust complaint with the European Union’s European Commission on March 19, 2026, targeting Broadcom's decision to shutter VMware’s CSP partner program. This action stems from Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, which led to major changes in partnership structures.
Background on the Acquisition
Broadcom acquired VMware and subsequently reduced the number of channel partners it works with. The company eliminated VMware’s original partner program, replacing it with an invite-only alternative that prioritizes larger partners serving enterprise clients over those focused on small-to-medium-sized businesses.
The new program introduced stricter requirements for CSP partners, mandating that they operate at least 3,500 cores. This change has made hundreds of existing CSP partners ineligible, drastically shrinking the partner network.
Prior to Broadcom's involvement, VMware maintained over 4,000 CSP partners, according to a February 2024 report from The Register. The reduction has been severe, with VMware now reportedly having only 19 CSP partners in the United States and about nine in the United Kingdom, as per the same source.
This shift in partnership strategy has prompted the trade association to allege anticompetitive practices, arguing that the changes limit opportunities for smaller providers. The complaint specifically highlights how the invite-only system favors big enterprises, potentially stifling competition in the cloud services market.
The European Commission will now review the complaint, which could lead to investigations into Broadcom's business practices. No further details on the timeline or outcomes have been disclosed as of the filing date.
Broader effects of these changes include potential impacts on small-to-medium businesses that relied on VMware partnerships for services. The trade association's move underscores ongoing tensions in the tech industry regarding mergers and their effects on market access.
