Archive · 1 Jan 2026
States Challenge DOJ Approval of HPE-Juniper Deal
A group of states led by Colorado are challenging a decision by the US government to allow a big company called Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) to buy another company called Juniper Networks for $14 billion.
The government initially tried to block the deal but then agreed to let it happen with some conditions.
The states think the government's decision might have been influenced by politics and want to look into how the decision was made.
A judge has set some rules for how the states can investigate and has asked both sides to provide more information.
The judge might also hold a hearing to decide if the agreement between the government and the companies is fair.
The states want a detailed investigation, while the government and the companies say the judge should just check if the agreement is in the public's best interest.
A federal judge set ground rules for states to challenge the DOJ's approval of HPE's $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks.
The states allege the settlement process was politically tainted and are seeking more information about the DOJ's decision.
The DOJ's settlement requires HPE to divest its Instant On business and license certain Juniper technology.
The judge directed both sides to submit more briefing and scheduled a potential evidence hearing for March 23-27.
The states and the DOJ/companies disagree on the scope of the investigation, with the states seeking a mini-trial and the DOJ/companies arguing for a review of the settlement's merits.
- Who
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Juniper Networks, a group of state attorneys general led by Colorado, US District Judge Casey Pitts
- What
- A legal challenge to the DOJ's approval of HPE's acquisition of Juniper Networks
- When
- The order was issued on Wednesday, with a potential evidence hearing scheduled for March 23-27
- Where
- US District Court in San Jose, California
- Why
- The states allege that the DOJ's settlement with HPE and Juniper was politically tainted and are seeking more information about the process
- Companies Involved
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Juniper Networks
- Deal Value
- $14 billion
- DOJ Settlement Terms
- Minor divestiture of HPE's Instant On business, licensing of Juniper technology
- States Involved
- Colorado-led group of state attorneys general
- Judge
- US District Judge Casey Pitts
- Tunney Act
- 1974 law requiring court approval of DOJ antitrust settlements
- Potential Evidence Hearing
- March 23-27