The Rise and Fall of Compaq: From PC Giant to HP Acquisition
By
Trevor Mogg
Pulled from the oven just right. Trustworthy, fact-dense, deeply satisfying.
Summary
Compaq was founded in 1982 and quickly rose to become the world's largest PC manufacturer by the mid-1990s, known for its portable computers and innovative designs. However, the company struggled in the late 1990s due to increased competition, pricing pressures, and strategic missteps. In 2002, Compaq was acquired by Hewlett-Packard (HP) in a controversial $25 billion deal. The acquisition led to the gradual phase-out of the Compaq brand, which was eventually discontinued by HP in 2013, marking the end of a once-dominant PC powerhouse.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledCompaq arrived on the scene in 1982 and within the space of 12 years grew to become the world's largest PC manufacturer.
The acquisition was controversial from the start, with many HP shareholders and employees opposing the deal.
By 2013, HP officially discontinued the Compaq brand, ending a 31-year run for one of the most iconic names in personal computing.
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