Hewlett-Packard, the world's biggest information technology company, is today expected to close its $13.9bn acquisition of Electronic Data Systems, a deal that marks a renewed challenge to IBM's dominance of IT services.

Integrating the two companies is likely to test the mettle of Mark Hurd, HP's chief executive, whose aggressive cost-cutting and focus on improved execution have lifted the company's shares since he was appointed chief executive in 2005.