Brussels, 10/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission confirmed that, on Wednesday 9 January, it had received a formal response from the American company, Intel, the number one manufacturer of electronic microchips worldwide. Last July, Intel had been accused by the Commission of anti-trust practices, such as slashing prices below cost and offering huge rebates (EUROPE 9478). Intel spokesman Chuck Mally told reporters that his company was planning to call on the Commission for a hearing so that it might defend itself. Although he did not give any further details on his employer's position, sources familiar with the dossier expect the company to reject the accusations. Speaking on behalf of Intel's main competitor, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), which had alerted the Commission to the situation, Jens Drews, AMD Director for government relations, was “convinced that the Commission has a very strong case”. It is to be noted that, for the alleged infringements, it is not sufficient to demonstrate anti-competitive behaviour. As Intel is accused of acting on its own, it is also up to those making the anti-trust charges to demonstrate the effect that such behaviour has on the market, which, according to Intel, is in full expansion. (C.D.)