Commission approves HP-Compaq merger 

The clearance of the Commission of the merger follows HP's formal filing of the acquisition of Compaq for regulatory approval on 20 December 2001. The Commission has decided not to oppose the concentration, considering the presence of "strong existing and potential competition in all markets concerned".

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is still investigating the transaction and the Commission's decision does not prejudice in any way the outcome of the assessment in the US. Mr Walter Hewlett and several heirs of HP's founder are opposed to the merger.