EU probing claims of Intel abusing its market position
The European Commission today carried out raids on Intel's offices in Munich, Germany, as part of an investigation into Intel's alleged abuse of its dominant position in the CPU market.
Intel, who faces a closed hearing in Brussels on March 11th and 12th, is charged with providing rebates to customers who opted to buy Intel products, and incentives to companies delaying rival AMD products.
Chuck Mulloy of Intel has confirmed "There has been a raid on our offices in Munich. As is our normal practise, we are cooperating with authorities".
The raid doesn't end at Intel alone, demonstrating the scale of the investigation, the European Commission also carried out similar raids at some of Europe's largest retailers such as Germany's Media Markt-Saturn and Britain's DSG International Plc.
"I can confirm that officials from the EU Commission are currently conducting an inspection at our Retail Support Centre in Hemel Hempstead," a DSG spokesman said in a statement to Reuters.
Intel's main rival in the CPU market, AMD, had originally filed a complaint to the EU Commission in 2000, claiming that Intel abuses its position as market leader. If Intel is found guilty, it could face charges of up to 10% on its annual revenue.
What the EU has found from today's raids is as of yet unknown. Intel has thus far repeatedly denied the charges it faces but it'll prove to be a difficult month for the semiconductor manufacturer as its hearing next month draws closer.
