Intel Says It’s a Target of FTC Investigation

Intel Corp., the world’s largest computer chip maker, said that the Federal Trade Commission has begun investigating the company’s business practices. The commission is considering whether Intel is “acting to monopolize . . . or otherwise restrict competition” in the microprocessor market, according to a sweeping subpoena received by the company. Competitors have long complained that Intel uses intimidation, lawsuits and other means to keep its stranglehold on the market. But a previous FTC investigation of the company, whose chips are in 85% of the world’s computers, ended in 1993 with no action taken against the Santa Clara company. Intel spokesman Chuck Malloy said the company expects the same outcome to this second investigation and that executives do not know what prompted it.