The controversial offer by US computing firm Hewlett-Packard (H-P) for UK data search software giant Autonomy has been declared wholly unconditional.

The offer, which was made by H-P when now departed chief executive officer Leo Apotheker was at the helm of the company, valued Autonomy at roughly £7.1bn.

While some pundits in the UK lamented the passing of control of another UK heavyweight company into overseas hands, many US pundits were equally critical of the deal, saying the price H-P paid was too high.

Autonomy's own shareholders appeared not to agree. By the middle of September, only 41.62% of Autonomy's shareholders had accepted the £25.50 per share offer from Hewlett-Packard, despite it being more than £10 higher than the share price of Autonomy prior to the announcement of the H-P bid.

However, with stock markets round the world going into free-fall, sclerotic Autonomy shareholders appear to have got their collective finger out in time to accept the H-P offer, which by the close of the offer on October 3rd had received acceptances in respect of 87.34% of the issued ordinary share capital of Autonomy.

The offer will remain open for acceptance until further notice and at least 14 days' notice will be given of the closing of the offer. Autonomy shareholders who have not yet accepted the Offer are urged to do so immediately.

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