Computer chip manufacturer Micron Technology Inc. has acknowledged its legal problems have expanded, saying the European Union has been investigating price-fixing among worldwide memory chipmakers.
Boise-based Micron"s primary product is dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips for computers and other electronic devices; it is the second-largest computer memory chip maker in the world, trailing Samsung Electronics of South Korea.
"In the April 2003 timeframe, we were contacted by EU regulators via a letter seeking certain information, which we understand was sent to all DRAM manufacturers," Micron spokesman Dave Parker said Thursday. "We are fully and actively cooperating with the European authorities."
The investigation mirrors a Department of Justice case launched in 2002 targeting Micron and other DRAM makers, widely believed to center on a claim of price-fixing.
On Thursday, the Wall Street Journal reported price-fixing charges by the Justice Department could be imminent against some chip makers, and that companies such as Micron were negotiating plea deals.