Brussels, 23/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 22 April 2013, the European Commission sent an outline of its grievances to a number of computer chip manufacturers it suspects have been price-fixing in violation of EU rules banning such matters and abuse of a dominant position. The Commission refuses to divulge the identity of the companies in question or the exact number of companies, which have the right to defend themselves before any formal decision is taken. In October 2008, the Commission's competition department made spot checks on the companies in question and agreed to examine the possibility of making an arrangement with them to speed the process up. By agreeing to an out-of-court settlement, the companies can have their fines reduced by 10%, but the talks failed and the Commission has decided to continue with the normal infringement proceedings. If after hearing the companies' arguments, it decides that price-fixing has taken place, it would fine them up to 10% of current global turnover. (FG/transl.fl)