Leading article: A sad loss of Autonomy
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.A US company, HP, snapping up Autonomy is a challenge for proponents of the free market. To cavil about the takeover would contradict all the arguments about level playing fields. But Autonomy is one of only two FTSE 100 IT companies and it is a sting to see it go.
Even for the most assiduous free marketeers, there are downsides to foreign takeovers. Sometimes they materialise almost immediately – such as Kraft's closure of a Cadbury's factory within weeks of promising to save it. Sometimes they take decades, as the shift from standalone entity to far-flung subsidiary plays out.
But such concerns would mean nothing if there were more Autonomys coming up behind. With a vibrant homegrown industry – entrepreneurs in their thousands beavering away in garages and standing a real chance of creating the next Google – then Autonomy could go with the merest twinge of regret. Sadly, Britain has no such thing. There is no replacement for Autonomy. And it is no hypocrisy to mourn its loss.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments