David Prosser: Danger signals flash for Autonomy windfalls
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Outlook At one level, it's just fun to sit back and watch the spat between Mike Lynch, the boss of Autonomy, and Larry Ellison, the Oracle chief executive who claims he was offered the chance to buy the British company but did not want to pay what Hewlett-Packard subsequently agreed to shell out. But at another, Autonomy shareholders, salivating at the huge premium HP has offered for the company, will be feeling anxious.
Meg Whitman, who replaced Leo Apotheker, the architect of the Autonomy takeover, a week ago as chief executive of HP, is already on the record saying she is enthusiastic about the deal. In truth, she probably didn't have much choice, with binding contracts exchanged before her arrival. If she doesharbour private doubts, however, allegations about the integrity and honesty of Autonomy's chief executive, fair or not, might be just the excuse she needs to renegotiate – or even to reconsider.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments