The latest accounting “mishap” at Autonomy which results in almost a $9 billion write-down by HP is not novel. However this comes after a $10 billion acquisition making the acquisition worth $20 billion approx and not to mention the bad brand splash that HP got. It may even result in board shuffle adding to the weak market sentiments and costs, eventually leading lesser value to the shareholder.
Now when I say, this is not a novel case, it is because there had been previous similar accounting scandals almost a decade ago. Examples are Computer Associates, Lernout & Hauspie & Microstrategy.