PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Hitachi has been fined $31 million by the US Department of Justice after it pleaded guilty to price-fixing charges.
It was alleged that Hitachi was one of four companies that conspired to artificially raise prices charged for LCD components to system vendors like Dell and Apple.
According to VNU, Hitachi’s $31 million fine has been the smallest amount by a considerable margin. Chunghwa was fined $65 million, while LG Display and Sharp were charged $400 million and $120 million respectively.
“Hitachi joins three other multinational companies who have admitted to their involvement in fixing prices for LCD panels sold to U.S. companies,” said the acting assistant attorney general for the antitrust division, Scott D. Hammond.
“This case should send a strong message to multinational companies operating in the United States that when it comes to enforcing the U.S. antitrust laws we mean business.”
