EU Approves Samsung’s Purchase of AST

IRVINE — European Union antitrust authorities on Tuesday approved the purchase of Irvine-base computer manufacturer AST Research by South Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co.

The commission said the level of the companies’ sales of personal computers in EU markets was small and there was “virtually no overlap resulting from the proposed operation.” However, the European Commission announced it was considering fining Samsung for providing late notice that it was acquiring a controlling interest in AST in January 1996.

The commission can impose fines of up to 10% of revenue on firms that violate EU competition rules. EU rules also say the commission must be notified “without undue delay” of any mergers and acquisitions impacting on European markets.