HP denies trying to flog Autonomy to SAP

Vendor stamps on Times article alleging the two chief executives had discussed sale

HP has crushed rumours that it was touting Autonomy to software giant SAP.

An article in the Times claimed SAP chief executive Bill McDermott had said HP had asked if SAP would be interested in buying Autonomy.

The conversation was alleged to have taken place before HP chief Meg Whitman (pictured) visited London and reassured Autonomy staff that they were a key part of HP’s plans. But HP has vehemently denied this was the case.

A statement sent to tech site AllthingsD from HP said: “Contrary to reports in the media, HP has no interest in selling Autonomy.

During the past year, we have received enquiries from SAP about purchasing HP software assets, and time and again we’ve said ‘no’.

We believe Autonomy will play an important role in HP’s long-term strategy.”

HP has endured a turbulent time since it acquired Autonomy in October 2011, taking an $8.8bn (£5.7bn) write-down on the UK software and accusing the management team of cooking the books.

The vendor is now locked in a legal battle with former Autonomy chief Mike Lynch, who earlier this year hired a top-notch US lawyer in preparation for a lengthy legal battle.