Intel is fined by South Korea

Intel Corp., the world’s biggest computer-chip maker, was fined about $25 million Wednesday by South Korea’s antitrust regulator for deterring competition by offering illegal discounts to customers.

The Santa Clara, Calif., company gave rebates to South Korean personal computer makers, such as Samsung Electronics Co., provided that they didn’t buy processor chips from Intel rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc., the nation’s Fair Trade Commission said.

Intel probably will appeal the ruling, General Counsel Bruce Sewell said.

The verdict mirrors a 2005 ruling by Japan’s fair trade regulator, which led Intel to remove restrictions that prevented Japanese makers of personal computers from using other companies’ chips.

Intel also faces an antitrust investigation by European Union regulators for offering rebates.