HP's plan to buy EDS to spark M&A in IT services sector

By Sumeet Chatterjee and Tiffany Wu

BANGALORE/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hewlett-Packard's move on Electronic Data Systems Corp is likely to spark a round of consolidation in the technology outsourcing sector around the globe, as suddenly much-smaller rivals scramble to stay competitive.

Analysts say Infosys Technologies Ltd, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro and Cognizant Technology Solutions may now be forced to look for acquisitions to compete with a combined HP and EDS and boost flagging profit growth.

"Businesses of companies like Infosys and Wipro are under pressure, as their rivals like IBM and Accenture have really learnt how to be competitive even in a sluggish economy," said Avinash Vashistha, CEO of outsourcing consultancy Tholons.

"This merger, if it happens, will only make situation worse for them by potentially creating a third competitor," he said.

"Now, it has become imperative for them to make acquisitions to fill the gap in their services portfolio and get a global footprint. If they don't go for inorganic growth at this stage, they will clearly be at a competitive disadvantage."

HP is in talks to buy technology outsourcing company EDS for $12 billion to $13 billion in a deal which would vault it to a close second to IBM in technology services.

A source briefed on the matter told Reuters that a deal could be announced by the close of business on Tuesday. HP and EDS have said they were in talks about but given no details.

HP has long considered an acquisition to beef up its tech services business, a sector that offers relatively stable income and high margins even in an economic downturn.