BRUSSELS - Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is expected to secure unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $14 billion acquisition of networking gear maker Juniper Networks, people familiar with the matter said.

HPE announced the deal in January, underscoring the rush by companies to upgrade and develop new products amid a sharp rise in artificial intelligence-driven services.

The European Commission, which is scheduled to decide on the deal by Aug. 1, declined to comment. HPE and Juniper did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

HPE was expected to underline the power of market leader and Juniper rival Cisco to allay any possible EU competition concerns, other people with direct knowledge of the matter had previously told Reuters.

The deal is also being assessed by Britain's antitrust enforcer, with a decision due on Aug. 14.

  - Reuters