Intel, the world's biggest chipmaker by sales, is bracing itself for one of the heaviest penalties levied in Europe for anti-competitive behaviour. The European Union is expected formally to approve action against Intel at its weekly meeting of commissioners on Wednesday.

It will be the climax of a near-decade-long investigation into the group's marketing practices. Lawyers say the fine could top those heaped on Microsoft, which, combined, exceeded €1bn ($1.36bn).