Analysts debate results in Poland of Hewlett-Packard merger with Compaq

The announcement of the $25 billion merger between computer giants Hewlett-Packard and Compaq has left analysts speculating about the possible impact on the Polish market. The Polish subsidiaries of the two companies declined to comment on what the merger would mean for them. But according to SG Securities analyst Dorota Ubysz, after the merger the market will have to face up to a very dangerous player. "The newly merged giant will pose a threat to both local and foreign markets. In Poland the merger will help strengthen the position of Compaq," she said. Other analysts point out that the merger should be of particular interest to Optimus, the Nowy Sacz-based company with which Compaq has signed distribution and service agreements. It is uncertain whether the two deals will remain unchanged after the merger. "It depends on the sales policy of the merged companies. I think that HP will see using Optimus' distribution network as advantageous. The equipment of HP and Compaq is targeted at large corporations, and thanks to Optimus the companies have the opportunity of increasing their share in the small and medium-sized companies sector in Poland," said brokerage house DM WBK analysts. (Puls Biznesu, p. 10; Parkiet, p. 1) A.Z.