Walter Hewlett Optimistic But No Merger Tally Yet

A source close to Walter Hewlett says the vote "is too close to call."

In a statement, Hewlett says he expects to have a preliminary tabulation of the votes in a few weeks, after they are counted by independent inspectors. Hewlett made the statement following a shareholder meeting on the acquisition that was held in Cupertino, Calif., on Tuesday morning.

Some observers had expected the meeting to end without a clear victor after a number of investors, including Walter Hewlett and other members of the founding families, said they would vote against the deal.

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