As reported by the local press, a Dominican Republic commercial court sentenced the local Dell Computer Inc. subsidiary to pay a US$3.6 million award to Xolutiva, S.A., Dell's local representative since 1997, for alleged breach of their distribution agreement. According to the ruling, Dell unilaterally decided not to renew its exclusive distribution agreement without due compensation, in violation of local statute. The ruling also ordered Dell to cease its operations in the country. Dell has announced that it will appeal the decision.