(Updates with comments from Philips spokesman; adds background) AMSTERDAM, Nov. 21, 2007 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) — Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG) NV said it will assist regulatory authorities in investigations into possible anti-competitive activities in the cathode ray tubes (CRT) industry. Philips said competition law authorities in several jurisdictions have started inquiries.

As one of the companies that was active in the CRT business, Philips is subject to one or more of these ongoing investigations. It added company policy is to conduct business in full compliance with all applicable competition laws. ‘Philips takes the investigations into possible violations of these laws very seriously. The company intends to assist the regulatory authorities in these investigations,’ Philips said.

As the investigations are at a very early stage, Philips said it is not in a position to predict or comment on their outcome. Philips spokesman Joon Knapen added it is too early to speculate on whether the company would make any loss provisions ahead of any possible fines and declined to identify where investigations are being conducted.

But recent reports have alleged the European Commission is conducting cartel investigations, while authorities in South Korea, Japan and the US have also launched inquiries. In 2000, Philips signed a letter of intent to merge its CRT business — which had operated as part of Philips’ Components division — into a 50-50 joint venture with LG Electronics Inc, a move that led to the creation of the company LG Philips Displays in 2001.

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