Ashurst has won the lead European adviser role for Intel on its appeal against one of the largest fines ever dished out by the European Commission (EC).

Last May Intel was handed a penalty of €1.06bn (£914m) by the EC for anticompetitive behaviour and abusing its leading position in the market for the production of microchips, in a case which dates back to the beginning of the decade.

A team lead by Ashurst competition head Nigel Parr is leading the team advising Intel, suceeding Skadden Arps Meagher Slate Meagher & Flom, which took the lead counsel role on the original judgment.

However, it is understood that the US firm has taken a minor role in the appeal process.

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher continued its role as lead US adviser to Intel with a team headed up by Washington-based antitrust litigator Joseph Kattam, while Howrey also advised on EU matters with a US team led by partner Darren Bernhard.

O'Melveny has been retained by Intel's main competitor, Advanced Micro Devices, which filed the original complaint a decade ago. Brussels managing partner Riccardo Celli led the O'Melveny team along with Brussels-based antitrust partner Christian Riis-Madsen.

Intel, the world's largest chipmaker, filed an appeal on Wednesday (22 July) with the Luxembourg-based Court of First Instance.

At the time of May's judgment, Intel president and CEO Paul Otellini said: "Intel takes strong exception to this decision. We believe the decision is wrong and ignores the reality of a highly competitive microprocessor marketplace – characterised by constant innovation, improved product performance and lower prices. There has been absolutely zero harm to consumers. Intel will appeal."

Ashurst on the Legal Week Wiki