The E.U. Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes was asked, by a number of European Union investigators, to formally charge Intel on grounds of illegal business tactics. The case was filed in 2000 by AMD regarding Intel monopolizing its business in several European regions and possibly the United States. AMD originally claimed that Intel disallowed certain vendors to have their usual discounts if purchases of AMD products exceeded 20% of the vendor"s overall purchase. Intel also may have bribed vendors not to carry AMD products.
Kroes is in the process of deciding whether or not to charge Intel and is requesting more information about Intel"s activities in Europe. If she does not, the six year old case against Intel will be dropped. Kroes believes this is a particularly complex case and says eh will proceed cautiously. Intel plans to participate in the investigation: "We believe the investigation is continuing. We will continue to cooperate," said Intel representative Chuck Mulloy.