Intel to be probed by European regulator

Chip manufacturer Intel is set to be probed by the European Commission, the European Union corporate regulatory, with the company set to acquire McAfee for $US7.68 billion.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the EU could investigate the deal for quite some time, due to some regulatory concerns.

“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,” according to the Wall Street Journal.

The report comes after McAfee recently released a statement telling investors of its plans to be acquired by the company.

“We expect that the deal will close some time in the first half of 2011 but do not have any further details to share at this time,” it said.