French regulators fined Apple 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) on Monday for striking deals to keep prices high, in the biggest-ever such sanction by France’s Competition Authority.

The agency said Apple and top re-sellers agreed to align prices with Apple’s own pricing for its iPads and some other products. The deals did not concern iPhones.

Calling the fine “disheartening,” Apple defended its operations in a statement saying its “investment and innovation supports over 240,000 jobs across the country.”

Apple added that: “It relates to practices from over a decade ago and discards thirty years of legal precedent that all companies in France rely on with an order that will cause chaos for companies across all industries.”

Two “premium” French Apple re-sellers, Tech Data and Ingram Micro, were also fined a total of 139 million euros ($155 million). The competition authority said Apple and the re-sellers agreed not to compete.

“Apple abusively exploited” distributors’ dependence on the tech giant, the authority wrote, and “prevented competition among different Apple distribution channels.” And that, in turn, hurt consumers.

Related Stories
‹
Where the Jewels Stolen From the Louvre Museum Might End Up
Just days after a stunning heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, speculation is growing around where the lavish, stolen jewels might end up.
Western Countries Speak of a Future Palestinian State as the Nightmare Unfolding in Gaza Worsens
While France, the U.K. and Canada said they will recognize a Palestinian state if the war doesn't end, those in Gaza are running out of time.
Europe Launches a Drive To Attract Scientists and Researchers After Trump Freezes US Funding
The European Union launched a drive to attract American scientists and researchers to Europe with offers of grants and new policy plans.
Israeli Strike in Gaza Kills 23 as Arab Mediators Seek Long-Term Truce
An overnight Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City killed 23 people, as Arab mediators worked on a proposal to end the war with Hamas that would include a five-to-seven-year truce and the release of all remaining hostages, officials said Wednesday.
French Far-Right Leader Marine Le Pen Barred From Seeking Office for 5 Years, a Political Earthquake
A French court on Monday convicted Marine Le Pen of embezzlement and barred her from seeking public office for five years.
European Leaders Gather for an Emergency Meeting Over Fear Trump Has Isolated Age-Old Allies
French President Emmanuel Macron called leaders from key European Union nations and the United Kingdom to his ornate Elysee Palace on Monday for an emergency meeting on how to react to the U.S. diplomatic blitz on Ukraine.
What To Know About the Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah
A ceasefire deal went into effect on Wednesday and could end the cross-border fighting between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group.
In Paris with Purpose: Morehead-Cain Scholar Researches Social Justice in Olympic Marketing
As people gather in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, UNC student William Walker III is immersing himself in a unique research project.
Refugee Athletes Want More of Them To Compete at the Olympics as Migration Takes Global Focus
The Olympic refugee team was born at the 2016 games, and is using the platform of Paris to advocate for other refugees.
UNC AD Bubba Cunningham Supports Tar Heels, College Athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics
As a member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Board of Directors, Bubba Cunningham is in Paris supporting Tar Heels and Team USA.
›