Four Taiwan firms, slapped with a hefty fine from the European Commission (EU) for allegedly organizing a flat-screen cartel, expressed little concern over any impact on their normal daily operations, while deliberating on ways to appeal the commission's decision.

The four firms, AU Optronics, Chimei InnoLux, Chunghwa Picture Tubes and HannStar Display Corp, confirmed over the past two days in announcements filed with the Taiwan Stock Exchange that they have been notified of the EU decision.

The four Taiwan liquid crystal display (LCD) manufacturers, together with two South Korean firms - Samsung Electronics and LG Display - were accused of operating a price-fixing scheme between October 2001 and February 2006.

They face fines totaling 649 million euros ($858.48 million), the EU announced Wednesday.

LCD panels are used in televisions, desktop monitors and laptop screens.

The four firms face a total of 434 million euros ($574.08 million) in fines, while Samsung Electronics avoided any punishment "for bringing the cartel to the Commission's attention and providing valuable information," the EU said in its statement.

Chimei InnoLux, the second largest flat-screen maker in Taiwan, faces the heaviest fine of 300 million euros ($390.3 million).

The fine is "beyond our expectations," Loreta Chen, Chimei's spokeswoman said Thursday.

The firm would make a decision soon on whether to appeal after receiving the official award, she said.

AU Optronics, the largest LCD panel maker in Taiwan, faces a fine of 116.8 million euros ($154.57 million), stated it would appeal against the decision.

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