The Senior Fraud Office and US Department of Justice have begun their investigation into Hewlett Packard's purchase of British software firm Autonomy, following accusations of foul play when negotiating the value of the company for takeover; however a 'conflict of interest' could yet scupper the case entirely.

Interpublic Group of Companies has announced the immediate departure and replacement of McCann Worldgroup's British CEO Nick Brien, with native New Yorker Harris Diamond, CEO of another Interpublic division, the Constituency Management Group, named as his successor.