US: Secret EMC, HP merger would have been one for the tech history books

Reports revealed Monday that data storage conglomerate EMC was holding secret merger discussions with tech rival Hewlett-Packard in what would have been the largest merger for the technology sector in recent history.

But after a year of discussions those merger talks have reportedly failed, due to disagreements over takeover price and concerns over shareholder voting.

According to reports, unnamed sources said had a merger been successful, it would have lead to a company with a market capitalization of nearly $130 billion.

But a deal would have faced significant hurdles in addition to shareholder approval, including scrutiny from competition authorities in the US and abroad.

EMC is now weighing its options as the company braces for the retirement of its CEO Joe Tucci. The company is said to be discussing a possible deal with Dell, but reports say such a transaction would likely lead to a partial divestiture and not a full acquisition of EMC.

Full content: Computer World

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