Hon Phillida Bunkle
Minister of Consumer Affairs

Media release
4 April 2000

Microsoft Decision A Consumer Victory - Minister

The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Phillida Bunkle, is pleased that consumers the world over have won from the federal court ruling that Microsoft violated United States anti-trust law.

"The IT Industry has indicated that the win will see more smaller companies flourish and prices to consumers likely to drop," she said.

"When market conditions allow a dominant player to buy out the competition and control consumer choice then exploitation is inevitable. This is both inefficient and undesirable. I am pleased that this monopoly is going to be broken up and competition restored.

"Microsoft's case illustrates why governments must be vigilant in keeping markets competitive. Without controls and disciplines, businesses can take full advantage of a monopoly position and this is where the New Zealand Government has a legitimate role in protecting consumers."

ENDS

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