European Union regulators addressed Microsoft Co. on a private statement Thursday complaining that the bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows harmed competition, undermined product innovation and reduced consumer choice, the Financial Times reported Friday.

The EU attack seeks to turn Windows into a distribution vehicle for software produced by other companies, Financial Times reported on its web site quoting a person familiar with the statement's contents.

Under the agreement the giant Microsoft would have to include other browsers, apart from its own Internet Explorer, to offer more choices to Internet users, the person said.

The move is seen as an opening door for Microsoft's rivals to compete in the Internet browser market.

Microsoft Software