EU Has Concerns on Big Intel Deal
Intel Corp.’s $7.68 billion deal to buy security-software specialist McAfee Inc. is running into close scrutiny by European officials that could at least delay completing the high-profile transaction.
The European Union’s antitrust regulator has privately expressed concerns during its preliminary review of the deal, which could prompt the regulator to submit the deal to a lengthy examination, people familiar with the matter said.
A key focus of the European review, these people said, is Intel’s stated desire to incorporate security features into its widely used microprocessor chips. The EU appears concerned that if McAfee, by virtue of being owned by Intel, had privileged access to those features, it could be difficult for McAfee’s rivals to compete, they added.
