HP and Compaq count some un-hatched chickens

More employees drafted in to smooth integration of merged company...

HP and Compaq have now drafted in 1,200 employees to work full-time on integrating the two firms, even before the outcome of the merger vote is set in stone. While HP boss Carly Fiorina is claiming victory in pushing through the $23bn merger, the latest internal memo to HP employees adds weight to critics' suggestions that the deal is a drain on company resources. According to US newswires, HP now expects to close the purchase of Compaq in April or May, and wants to be ready to formally launch new services and combined operations just a few days later. For related news, see:
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