Six DRAM makers to pay $173 million antitrust settlement

Posted on Tuesday, June 29 2010 @ 20:36 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
SeattlePI reports six of the largest DRAM makers have agreed to pay a $173 million fine for price fixing:
The settlement resolves a 2006 lawsuit filed by 33 attorneys general. The suit alleges that consumers and state agencies that bought electronics containing DRAM paid higher prices from 1998 to 2002 due to price-fixing by six companies: Elpida, Hynix, Infineon, Micron, Mosel Vitelic, and NEC.

The suit resulted from a multistate investigation that began in 2004 and a federal investigation that exposed a scheme where DRAM manufacturers profited at the expense of consumers by trimming production in order to artificially raise prices, reports the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

Several companies and executives pleaded guilty to criminal price-fixing actions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The defendants in the states' case have tentatively agreed to pay $173 million to the 33 states and private plaintiffs, refrain from illegal price-fixing, and conduct employee training.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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