The European Commission on Friday reiterated its concerns over Microsoft Corp.'s plans to buy MediaOne Group Inc.'s 29.7 percent stake in British cable company Telewest Communications.

A statement of objections is a legal document setting out the EU antitrust watchdog's competition concerns and asking the companies involved to offer concessions to address them. Microsoft has requested a hearing to put across its arguments why the deal should be cleared. European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti said on March 22 that he had opened a four-month probe into Microsoft's plan, highlighting concerns about reduced competition in various areas of the digital cable industry. He said there were concerns in particular about the provision of software for digital set-top boxes in Britain and its impact for the choice of British cable subscribers. Monti also said he was worried the deal would strengthen Telewest's existing position as an exclusive supplier of cable services to customers within its franchise area, and undertakings already offered by the companies had been insufficient to ease these concerns. Telewest, which does not currently use Microsoft technology in its set-top boxes, said it welcomed Microsoft as a potential shareholder. The investigation comes as Microsoft faces the possibility of being split up after being found guilty in the United States of breaking antitrust laws.