Computer maker Compaq's shareholders overwhelmingly approved the controversial merger with Hewlett-Packard at an extraordinary general meeting yesterday. Compaq was the weaker company in the deal, due to a widespread technology slowdown, and the vote was widely expected.

Shareholders of Hewlett-Packard voted on the $22 billion (€24.9 billion)deal on Tuesday. Tallying on that vote, called "razor thin" by opponents, could take several weeks.

Hewlett-Packard chief executive Ms Carly Fiorina has already declared a victory, but opponent and Hewlett-Packard namesake heir Mr Walter Hewlett said it was too close to call.

Compaq said shareholders voted by a nine-to-one margin for the deal. "I am gratified that Compaq shareholders have seen the power behind the merger of these two great technology companies and given the board of directors and management their resounding support," said Mr Michael Capellas, Compaq chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement.

"At the end of the day, this merger is about market leadership. We are ready to move forward." The shareholders meeting was sparsely attended, unlike Tuesday's Hewlett-Packard meeting in Silicon Valley.

Mr Capellas told reporters after the vote that the launch of a combined Hewlett-Packard/Compaq was expected in April. He said the company spent just over $50 million preparing for the vote.

Compaq has been a sideshow in a six-month conflict within Hewlett-Packard, which saw newspaper advertising, press conferences and press statements, with each side lashing out against the other.

Critics had said the deal tied Hewlett-Packard too closely to Compaq's computer manufacturing business. Mr Capellas said those criticisms "maligned" the PC sector, saying it was still a "fundamental and very strategic business".

Both companies said the merger would result in 15,000 job cuts out of a combined total of 155,000 workers.

- (AFP)