HP Proceeds As If Merger A Fait Accompli

Hewlett-Packard Compaq Computer

But a spokeswoman for the Delaware Chancery Court in Wilmington said a trial date has been set for April 23, 24 and 25 in the suit filed by dissident director Walter Hewlett. Hewlett alleges that HP coerced Deutsche Bank into switching votes it had previously cast against the merger to HP's side just hours before the March 19 proxy vote deadline. The suit seeks to block the merger.

HP denies all charges. The court spokeswoman also said the judge would hear HP's motion to dismiss the suit at 9:30 a.m. EST Sunday, April 7.

Meanwhile, late Wednesday HP announced the appointment of 150 key management positions that will take effect once the merger is complete. "We wouldn't have made the appointments if we thought the merger wouldn't go through," said one HP executive who asked not to be identified.

HP Chairman and CEO Carly Fiorina claimed victory in the five-month- long proxy fight with Hewlett shortly after the March 19 shareholders meeting to vote on the merger. Hewlett filed his suit seeking to block the merger on March 28.

An HP spokeswoman said the company expects the merger to be completed by late April or early May.