July 11, 2006

EU to fine Microsoft 200-300 mln euros

The European Commission will fine Microsoft between 200 million ($255 million) and 300 million euros on Wednesday to punish it for failing to carry out antitrust sanctions, sources familiar with the situation said on Tuesday.

The two sources said that Microsoft must be in full compliance with the European Commission's landmark antitrust decision of March 2004 by the end of the month, or face a further fine of up to 3 million euros daily.

Microsoft has pledged to deliver documents by July 18 to be in compliance.

The fine being imposed on Microsoft is based on a daily amount levied from Dec 16 to a set date in June, the sources said.