Intel Gets EU Approval to Purchase McAfee

From DailyTech: Intel is the largest maker of computer processors in the world. The company has had plenty of legal trouble around the globe that centered on its business practices. This isn't uncommon for any class-leading tech firm.

Over the last few months, Intel has been working hard on all manner of projects. One of those projects was the proposed purchase of security provider McAfee by Intel. McAfee is one of the largest providers of software for security in the consumer and business markets. The software is common on consumer machines and ships on many new computers to prevent viruses and malware from infecting the machines.

Information Week reports that the Intel acquisition of McAfee has been given the green light by the EU. The approval comes after the EU was convinced that Intel has steps in place to ensure that McAfee rivals have the same access to Intel tech. The agreement with the EU to approve the deal has Intel committed to providing access to the same functionality in its processors to all security firms that it gives to McAfee. Intel has also committed to continuing to allow McAfee software to support rival chipmakers like AMD.

EU commission VP in charge of competition policy Joaquin Almunia said in a statement, "The commitments submitted by Intel strike the right balance, as they allow preserving both competition and the beneficial effects of the merger. These changes will ensure that vigorous competition is maintained and that consumers get the best result in terms of price, choice, and quality of the IT security products."

Intel will pay about $7.68 billion for McAfee and the purchase will allow it to offer processors with tightly integrated security software. The approval means that Intel will likely be able to complete the acquisition during this quarter. The proposed purchase of McAfee was first heard of in August of 2010 and then approved in the U.S. in December.

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