Intel raided by competition officials

The British offices of computer chip giant Intel have been raided by EU competition officials as part of a series of swoops across Europe, it was confirmed today.

The US-based processor maker’s offices in Swindon, Wiltshire, were searched yesterday alongside those in Milan, Madrid and Munich as part of a long-running European Commission investigation into alleged abusive market practices.

The probe, which began in 2001, is believed to centre on claims that Intel was involved in unfair marketing practices.

A London-based spokesman for the Commission said: “Commission officials accompanied by officials from national competition authorities have conducted site inspections of Intel Corporation in Europe as well as a number of IT firms manufacturing or selling computers.

“These inspections are carried out within the framework of an ongoing competition investigation.”

The Commission has the power to impose fines of up to 10% of a company’s annual global turnover if allegations are upheld.

But the spokesman emphasised that the searches had been a “fact-finding” operation and that, their existence should not be taken to indicate guilt.

Speaking from Munich, Intel spokeswoman Marlo Thompson said: “European Commission officials conducted a search of several offices yesterday, it was part of an on-going investigation. Intel has a long history of co-operating with regulators.”

She added: “We believe our business practices are fair and lawful.”