HP hit by setback in latest Autonomy twist

Tech giant claims it is committed to proving "Autonomy fraud" despite a US judge rejecting settlement proposal

HP has insisted it "remains committed to holding the architects of the Autonomy fraud accountable" despite suffering a setback in court over the weekend.

On Friday, a US judge rejected a HP-proposed settlement relating to the botched Autonomy deal, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The Autonomy takeover has been a headache for HP since it took place back in 2011. HP had to swallow an $8.8bn (£5.5bn) writedown relating to the buy after claiming the UK firm exaggerated its profits, and ever since, the duo has been locked in a war of words and legal proceedings.

The settlement which was rejected on Friday improperly protected HP directors from a broad range of future shareholder litigation, the ruling said, according to the WSJ.

In a statement sent to CRN, HP said the latest setback has not dampened its spirits.

"While HP is disappointed the court did not approve the settlement as submitted, the court recognised that a settlement releasing the HP directors and officers from Autonomy-related claims ‘represents a fair and reasonable resolution of the litigation'," it said.

"HP remains committed to holding the architects of the Autonomy fraud accountable."