Taiwan-based LCD maker Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) today confirmed that it is also facing questioning in the an investigation of the LCD industry by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). CMO indicated that the DOJ has asked for help from International Display Technology (IDTech), a subsidiary of CMO, to provide any possible information related to the investigation.
Japan-based IDTech was a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMO that focused on production of notebook computer panels and 18-inch and larger monitor panels. Starting from the fourth quarter of 2004, CMO began selling off the fixed assets of IDTech, primarily the production facilities and fab equipment, to Sony. However, IDTech remains a subsidiary of CMO, serving as a sales and marketing unit in Japan, the US and the UK.
Yesterday, LG.Philips LCD announced that it was being investigated by the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), the Japanese Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) and had received a subpoena from the US Department of Justice, while Korea-based Samsung Electronics is also reportedly being investigated on suspicions possible LCD prices-fixing and controlled supply during an industry boon in 2003-2004.
Japan-based Sharp and a LCD joint venture between Seiko Epson and Sanyo Electric are also reportedly being investigated by trade authorities in Japan and the United States.
Taiwan-based AU Optronics (AUO) announced via a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE) that its affiliates in the US and Japan plan to cooperate with the investigation.
Article translated by Emily Chuang and edited by Michael McManus
