http://www.debeersgroup.com/corpContacts/corpConta ctIndex.asp
Looks like they still claim HQ in London, but I'm no expert in the diamond industry. Last I heard the US had varying degrees of sanctions going back to the 40's while the EU wouldn't touch them. But it goes beyond just one case.
I worked for a company that merged with a European firm and it was okayed by the US but then held up in Europe. Everything I read about the impending deal and then finalized merger was that the reason it took longer was that European countries look at how it will effect their own position while the American government just looks at whether its actually a monoply or not. Everything I read about Western Europe is along that line. Nothing wrong with that, but maybe its about time our government was more agressive in looking out for our self interest instead of just free trade at all costs.
This is just how European countries practice protectionism without technically violating world trade rulings. How come they've never done anything about the diamond cartel even though people are actually dying over that?? At a time when Linux is doing just fine on its own I can't see why we need this over the top MS conspiracy nonsense.
Slashdot Mirror
http://www.debeersgroup.com/corpContacts/corpConta ctIndex.asp
Looks like they still claim HQ in London, but I'm no expert in the diamond industry. Last I heard the US had varying degrees of sanctions going back to the 40's while the EU wouldn't touch them. But it goes beyond just one case.
I worked for a company that merged with a European firm and it was okayed by the US but then held up in Europe. Everything I read about the impending deal and then finalized merger was that the reason it took longer was that European countries look at how it will effect their own position while the American government just looks at whether its actually a monoply or not. Everything I read about Western Europe is along that line. Nothing wrong with that, but maybe its about time our government was more agressive in looking out for our self interest instead of just free trade at all costs.
This is just how European countries practice protectionism without technically violating world trade rulings. How come they've never done anything about the diamond cartel even though people are actually dying over that?? At a time when Linux is doing just fine on its own I can't see why we need this over the top MS conspiracy nonsense.