The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a review of IBM's planned $6.4 billion acquisition of HashiCorp, a cloud software vendor. Interested parties have until January 16 to comment on the merger, with a provisional decision expected by February 25. This investigation comes as IBM aims to enhance its cloud and AI services through the deal, gaining access to HashiCorp's 4,400 customers. Additionally, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is also looking into the acquisition, raising questions about its potential impact on market competition.