Replies to post #77360 on Intel Corp (INTC)

[Joey Smith]

According to the EU article:

Dryden also said Intel would likely retain its more than 80 percent share of the computer chip market, even if the EU places restrictions on its rebates which could make products more expensive for consumers.

"It is really a savings programme that they provide to their customers -- PC vendors or OEMs who build computers. The benefit to them is not necessarily a benefit to Intel," he added.

So, if Intel has to change its rebate/pricing, it's going to hurt customers & have little effect on Intel. I think that would make the EU look foolish, imo.

[wbmw]

Re: Ever since the EU went after Intel, I do not recall articles that emphasized the imposing of rules to be the "greater" punishment as oposed to the maximium fine. I find this interesting and I am wondering if the EU is laying the groundwork for its decision. I think the EU will impose a minimal fine and impose some rules that will amount to a slap on the hand. In that case, the EU will look foolish, unless it can spread the word that the imposing of rules is the greater of the punishments. I think that is what this article is doing.

I don't get this line of reasoning. Either Intel broke an existing rule, or they did not. Not even the EU can fine someone for breaking a rule that they think should have been implemented, but which had never actually gone through legislation.