HP looks to snatch 3PAR deal from Dell

Datacentre equipment manufacturer 3PAR is in the middle of a bidding battle

HP has launched a $1.6bn bid for datacentre equipment and software manufacturer 3PAR just days after rival Dell announced a $1.15bn deal to acquire the firm.

HP said that its offer, which is a third higher than Dell’s, should tip the scales in its favour, adding that 3PAR's technology would be a natural fit.

“HP’s proposal offers superior value to 3PAR’s shareholders. Our global reach, strong routes to market and commitment to innovation uniquely position HP as the ideal fit for 3PAR,” said Dave Donatelli, executive vice president and general manager, Enterprise Servers, Storage and Networking, HP.

“We’ve seen great momentum with our Converged Infrastructure strategy, and 3PAR accelerates that strategy, particularly in cloud and scale-out markets.”

Dell said it would not comment on its M&A plans. However, last week it claimed that the 3PAR deal would enable it to reduce costs for customers.

“Dell is driving an open and integrated approach to data management. Dell is delivering increased efficiency with a goal of radically reducing data management costs and significantly streamlining operations,” it said in a statement.

“These savings enable Dell customers to make room in their budgets for other strategic investments. 3PAR’s product portfolio complements Dell’s goal to make IT simpler and more affordable. Dell plans to make 3PAR an integral part of its industry-leading storage portfolio.”

HP last week announced plans to splash out on security firm Fortify Software, while in April it shocked the smartphone world by making a $1.5bn swoop for Palm.