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Antitrust fine against Nintendo
The Japanese games giant Nintendo has been hit with a $147 million (168 million, euro) fine by the European Union for alleged price-fixing. The European Union case found that Nintendo and some of its European distributors--who were assessed an additional $17 million in fines--illegally colluded during the 1990s to sell game products at significantly different prices in various parts of Europe. Consoles and games sold for up to 65 percent more in Germany and the Netherlands than in England, according to the complaint, and Nintendo ensured that goods intended for sale in one country were not available in others, in violation of EU treaties.
"Every year, millions of European families spend large amounts of money on video games," European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti said in a statement. "They have the right to buy the games and consoles at the lowest price the market can possibly offer, and we will not tolerate collusive behavior intended to keep prices artificially high." Nintendo representatives have not disputed the charges but have said the company will appeal the size of the fine.
SOURCE: news.com.com
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