EU, Microsoft 'On Track' To Settlement

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- The European Union insisted it was "on track'" Wednesday to conclude its antitrust case against Microsoft Corp. next week, even as the world's biggest software company scrambled to reach a deal to avert sanctions for allegedly abusing its Windows monopoly.

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer and general counsel Brad Smith remained in Brussels and in contact with the EU antitrust office, sources familiar with the case said, after a surprise face-to-face session Tuesday night with EU Competition Commissioner Mario Monti.

No progress toward a settlement was announced but both sides said talks were continuing. READ MORE