The European Commission has a number of unnamed manufacturers of chips for smartcards let you know that there is an investigation into the possible cartel is set. The companies could agreements made to the prices in Europe remain high.
Chips for smart cards are widely used, for example in passports, sim cards for mobile phones and bank cards. According to the European Commission, there are indications that certain manufacturers of such chips, mutual price-fixing agreements have been made, so the prices in Europe are artificially high. Thus, the companies have the European competition rules are broken.
The European regulators say an investigation set up to the yet unnamed companies. They would in the first instance, the parties discussed a possible settlement, but this would no progress be made.
According to European commissioner for competition Joaquín Almunia said a settlement is a faster procedure cause. However, if this do not succeed, then the EU will not hesitate in the lengthy procedure to choose, thus Almumia. Should the EU come to the conclusion that companies are guilty of operating a cartel, it may impose fines of up to 10 percent of the annual turnover.
Update, 13:55: NXP Semiconductors late Tweakers know that it is not by the EU has been sued in the European investigation into possible cartel activity. Also, the company will not be fined from the EU.