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EU: Unprecedented fine hits Microsoft

By  |  March 6, 2013

The rumors were true: The European Commission has fined Microsoft about $732 million. Previous speculation suggested the Commission was to fine Microsoft by Easter. According to reports, Microsoft’s fine is due to their breach of a 2009 settlement agreement concerning the choice of Internet browsers offered to consumers; the case stems back nearly two decades. The fine marks the first time the EU has issued sanctions against a company for failing to live up to terms of a previous antitrust settlement – the Commission pointed this case out as the first time a company has been fined for “non-compliance with a commitments decision.” While the fine is relatively small, some analysts say the action should be considered more of a “message” sent to companies about the seriousness of the Commission’s rulings. Commissioner Joaquin Almunia found Microsoft had failed to comply with the agreed-upon terms last October.

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