Google’s enemies sharpen complaints as DOJ opens antitrust probe

A Google LLC logo stands in the auditorium inside the tech giant's office in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai turned down a big new grant of restricted stock in 2018 because he felt he was already paid generously, according to a person familiar with the decision. Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg

The looming US antitrust investigation of Google is galvanising as many as a dozen companies to gather their longstanding complaints about the Alphabet Inc unit and consider bringing them to the Justice Department as the probe gets underway, according to people familiar with the matter. 

Rivals and companies that depend on Google have long complained that the Internet giant harms competition across markets. These companies, ranging from media to advertising technology firms, are now assembling evidence and ready to assist the Justice Department, one person with knowledge of the matter said, declining to name the companies.