While integration teams are already at work, according to executives, Martino said that detailed discussions with customers about transition plans will have to wait until after the acquisition's close. IBM Global Services is the industry's leading IT services provider, with about 150,000 employees worldwide. PwC Consulting's significant staff and client roster could help push IBM even farther ahead of its rivals – including HP. Gaining services bulk to compete more effectively against IBM was a key rationale offered by HP CEO Carly Fiorina for the company's merger with Compaq Computer Corp. Particularly attractive to IBM is PwC Consulting's industry-focused approach, with services and software packages tailored to markets such as financial services and retail, Martino said.