Hewlett-Packard (HP) has warned employees more job cuts are possible beyond those announced as a result of its planned $16.8 billion merger with Compaq.
In an online employee notice that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, HP said more jobs may be cut before the merger as decisions are made on exiting businesses, consolidations and outsourcing.
HP and Compaq had announced that 15,000 jobs, or about 10 per cent of the combined work force, would be cut in the first two years after the merger closes.
"During the period between now and the closing, HP will continue to make decisions that may involve further reductions in staffing levels in defined areas of the company," the notice said.
California-based HP and Houston-based Compaq announced their stock-swap deal last month. The merger must still be approved by regulators and the shareholders of both companies.