Apple, Publishers Reach E-Book Settlement in Europe

Deals with possible anti-trust investigation for price-fixing

Apple Inc. and four companies selling digital books in Europe have agreed to dismantle a price-setting arrangement that raised prices for consumers, potentially ending a European antitrust investigation into the way e-books are priced and sold.

The European Union's antitrust body Wednesday published details of commitments made by Apple and four publishers to allay concerns that they have been involved in anti-competitive behavior and said it is seeking comments from consumers, publishers and retailers as a market test of whether the measures will be effective.