UK regulatory authorities launch preliminary investigation into agreement between HPE and Juniper

The UK Competition and Markets Authority is investigating Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s acquisition of Juniper Networks for $14 billion. The regulator is looking into whether this merger would reduce competition in the UK market for goods and services. Interested parties have until July 3 to comment on the deal before the authority makes a decision by August 14.

The heads of both companies have highlighted the benefits of combining forces during an event at MWC Barcelona 2024. HPE’s President and CEO Antonio Neri and Juniper Networks’ Chief Rami Rahim emphasized how the joint venture could offer solutions to meet the increasing demands for infrastructure power and performance in the era of AI. Neri mentioned on an earnings call that the deal is currently going through regulatory processes and is expected to close by late 2024 or early 2025.

Apart from the UK, the acquisition will also need approval from regulators in other countries, including the United States. The companies are optimistic about the potential of this merger to bring positive outcomes for customers in the telecommunications sector and beyond. The investigation by the UK authority is a part of the due diligence process to ensure that the deal does not harm competition in the market.

Overall, the investigation into Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s acquisition of Juniper Networks by the UK Competition and Markets Authority is aimed at assessing the potential impact on competition in the country’s market for goods and services. The two companies have highlighted the advantages of their partnership in addressing the growing demands for infrastructure power and performance in the age of AI. While the deal is currently in the regulatory process, it is expected to be finalized by late 2024 or early 2025 pending approvals from regulators in various jurisdictions. Interested parties have until July 3 to provide input on the deal before the authority makes a decision on whether to refer it for further investigation by August 14.

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https://www.mobileworldlive.com/industry/uk-regulator-opens-initial-probe-into-hpe-juniper-deal/