Baby Bills

Dictionary Says

Definition of 'Baby Bills'

A hypothetical nickname for the smaller companies that would have been formed if Microsoft had been broken up for violation of antitrust rules in 2000. Baby Bills stood a real chance of having actually been formed since the U.S. government did call for the company's breakup, but the decision was reversed the following year so Microsoft instead was permitted to keep operating as one company.
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Baby Bills'

The antitrust suit in question was brought against Microsoft in 1993 after an investigation of possible collusion between Microsoft and IBM hit a dead end. The Justice Department settled with Microsoft in 1994 after documents signed by the company force them to agree not to "squelch" competition by creating operating system dominance. In 1997, the Justice Department filed a complaint that Microsoft had violated the decree by demanding that Internet Explorer be bundled with PCs in order to get a Windows 95 license. After years of trials and appeals, they were finally able to come to an agreement in 2001.

Sign Up For Term of the Day!

Try Our Stock Simulator!

Test your trading skills!

Related Definitions

  1. Antitrust

    The antitrust ...
  2. Baby Bells

    A common ...
  3. Monopoly

    A situation in ...
  4. Split-Up

    A corporate ...
  5. Steve Ballmer

    A long-time key ...
  6. Bill And Melinda Gates

    Two out of the ...
  7. Penny Stock

    A stock that ...
  8. Bucket Shop

    1. A fraudulent ...
  9. Small Firm Effect

    A theory that ...
  10. Ankle Biter

    Slang term for a ...

Articles Of Interest

  1. Antitrust Defined

    Check out the history and reasons behind antitrust laws, as well as the arguments over them.
  2. What Are Corporate Actions?

    Be a savvy investor - learn how corporate actions affect you as a shareholder.
  3. Why was Microsoft subject to antitrust charges in 1998?

  4. Build A Model Portfolio With Style Investing

    This sophisticated approach will add flair to your returns.
  5. Market Capitalization Defined

    Find out the differences between mega-, large-, mid- and small-cap stocks and how each suits different investing styles.
  6. Small Caps Boast Big Advantages

    Find out why little companies have the greatest potential for growth.
  7. Asset Allocation: The First Step Toward Profit

    Understanding the different asset classes is an essential part of portfolio diversification.
  8. Spotting Sharks Among Penny Stocks

    To protect yourself from an attack, don't swim in this ocean.
  9. Small Cap Research Can Have A Big Impact

    Don't rely on Wall Street analysts for information on these stocks.
  10. How To Evaluate A Micro-Cap Company

    Learn how to think big by investing in smaller stocks.

comments powered by Disqus
Recommended
Loading, please wait...
Trading Center