Breaking up is hard to do! Lessons Learned from Separating Contracts in the Largest Tech Split in History

Abstract

In recent years, a number of large companies have undertaken corporate separations as a way to unlock shareholder value, increase focus, accelerate growth, and reduce operational complexity. On October 6, 2014, Hewlett-Packard Company announced its plans to do just that - separate into two new publicly traded companies: Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which would comprise HP’s enterprise technology infrastructure, software and services businesses, and HP Inc., which would comprise HP’s personal systems and printing businesses. This transaction remains the largest technology company separation in history and was completed in 391 days, no small accomplishment for a US-based company with subsidiaries in over 110 countries!