Broadcom cannot see which cloud firms back an EU case against its VMware deal. A court kept their names secret.

The EU General Court ruled that CISPE, which speaks for 48 European cloud providers, can keep secret which members back its challenge to the European Commission's approval of Broadcom's VMware takeover, The Register reported on 3 November. Broadcom had asked for the names, saying it needed them to contest whether the case can be heard.

CISPE argued that naming the members, current or past VMware customers, would put them at "significant risk of retaliation". Its spokesperson called it "a procedural ruling on confidentiality rather than a decision on the substance of the case". The case itself remains open.

CISPE says providers cut from VMware's programme have until 31 March 2027 to sell their infrastructure or customers to a competitor chosen by Broadcom, or close. AT&T has said Broadcom proposed a 1,050% price increase.

The Register asked Broadcom to comment; the Commission declined to comment on procedural matters.