Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has filed for regulatory approval from the European Commission for its significant $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks. European regulators have until August 1 to either approve the deal or initiate a comprehensive investigation that could delay the merger.
Simultaneously, the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun a preliminary investigation into the merger’s potential impacts. The CMA will decide by August 14 whether to approve the deal or proceed to a formal “phase 2” inquiry for a more in-depth investigation.
“The CMA is assessing whether this transaction will create a relevant merger situation under the Enterprise Act 2002,” said the CMA in a statement, “and if so, whether it may substantially lessen competition in any market in the U.K.”
This means HPE’s acquisition of Juniper Networks could potentially be approved in Europe by mid-August.
The merger has already received approval from the boards and shareholders of both HPE and Juniper. Additionally, it is unlikely to require approval from Chinese regulators as it falls below their merger threshold. However, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is still expected to scrutinize the deal.
Despite these regulatory hurdles, HPE anticipates completing the acquisition by late 2024 or early 2025. “We can confirm the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority has accepted our filing as part of the standard process,” HPE stated to CRN. “We are working to complete all necessary reviews and secure clearance efficiently to deliver value to our customers promptly. We continue to expect to close by the end of 2024 or early 2025.”
This aligns with HPE’s initial timeline of closing the deal within a year of its announcement in January.
HPE’s acquisition of Juniper Networks aims to achieve joint operating efficiencies and cost synergies of $450 million per year. If completed, Juniper Networks CEO Rami Rahim will lead the combined HPE networking business, including HPE’s Aruba business, and report directly to HPE CEO Antonio Neri.
In a recent interview, Rahim emphasized the significance of AI, stating it will be as impactful as any technology trend in history. “The combination with HPE allows us to accelerate innovation across the entire IT stack,” Rahim said. “Together, we can offer comprehensive, competitive, end-to-end networking solutions that will significantly benefit our customers and partners.”
 has filed for regulatory approval from the European Commission for its significant $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks. European regulators have until August 1 to either approve the deal or initiate a comprehensive investigation that could delay the merger.){kind=link}