On the 1th July 2008, the European Commission published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ), Prior notification of a concentration between Hewlett-Packard Company (‘HP’, USA) and Electronic Data Systems Corporation (‘EDS’, USA) by way purchase of shares. It is published following the notification received on 19 June 2008 by the Commission.

Preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

• Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) is a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around the world. We explore how technology and services can help people and companies address their problems and challenges, and realize their possibilities, aspirations and dreams. We apply new thinking and ideas to create more simple, valuable and trusted experiences with technology, continuously improving the way our customers live and work.
• Electronic Data Systems Corporation (NYSE:EDS) is a leading global technology services company delivering business solutions to its clients. EDS founded the information technology (IT) outsourcing industry 45 years ago. Today, EDS delivers a broad portfolio of information technology and business process outsourcing services to clients in the manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, communications, energy, transportation, and consumer and retail industries and to governments around the world.

Observations must reach the Commission not later than the tenth July 2008 and should be sent by fax ((32-2) 296 43 01 or 296 72 44) or by post, under reference number COMP/M.5197 — HP/EDS, to the following address:
European Commission
Directorate-General for Competition
Merger Registry - J-70
B-1049 Bruxelles/Brussel (Belgium)

What do the Directorate-General for Competition do?

The mission of the Directorate General for Competition is to enforce the competition rules of the Community Treaties, in order to ensure that competition in the EU market is not distorted and that markets operate as efficiently as possible, thereby contributing to the welfare of consumers and to the competitiveness of the European economy.
The work of DG COMP is essential to the achievement of the EU’s strategic objectives as expressed in the “Community Lisbon Program” , because it makes a significant contribution to the efficient functioning of the internal market and promotes the conditions necessary to stimulate knowledge and innovation, to make Europe a more attractive place to invest and work, and to create more and better jobs.