Chip makers burned over cartel allegations

A number of leading chip makers are expected to be fined by European authorities this week for allegedly fixing memory prices.

Nine manufacturers have been named in the case, including Samsung, Infineon, Hynix, Elpida, NEC, Hitachi, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, and Nanya. Another company, Micron, won immunity for blowing the whistle on the alleged cartel.

Still, the size of the fine looks to be small chips, amounting to between €300m and €400m in total, according to reports. A decision on the allegations is expected from the European Commission on Wednesday.