There was a common view at the time that they had significantly overpaid and that was based on the straight books. Also only $5BN of the write down was for Auto

There was a common view at the time that they had significantly overpaid and that was based on the straight books. Also only $5BN of the write down was for Autonomy. If they overpaid by 100% (possible as they paid 64% over the share price which could also have been overvalued) then it could be that accounting irregularity accounts only for a fraction of the write down. 10-20% of the purchase price feels as likely as 80% but we may see when it is investigated. http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2011/110818xc.html http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2011/110818xc.html