EU poised to hit Intel with mega fine

Brussels, Belgium – Intel is bracing itself as the EU Commission prepares to announce its punishment on the chip giant for alleged anti-competitive behavior.

Eurocrats are expected to announce Wednesday or Thursday the penalty for the earlier ruling that Intel put illegal pressure on PC vendors to use its chips rather than those of its competitors. Intel could be hit for up to ten percent of annual revenue, wich could mean a fine approaching $4 billion.

Whatever the outcome, Intel will almost certainly appeal, so no money will change hands for some considerable time.

Apart from that headed for lawyer’s bank accounts, obviously.