WASHINGTON European regulators Wednesday levied a record antitrust fine of $1.45 billion against Intel Corp. for abusing its position as the world's dominant computer-chip maker. The fine comes after nearly two years of investigation by the European Commission into allegations that the Santa Clara, Calif., company offered improper rebates and other discounts to discourage companies from buying microprocessors from smaller rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Complaints from AMD triggered the case and the company's chief executive, Dirk Meyer, called the ruling "an important step toward establishing a truly competitive market." But Intel CEO Paul Otellini denied any wrongdoing and said the company would appeal the fine. Intel's stock closed at $15.13 Wednesday, down 8 cents.
-Tribune Newspapers
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