BRUSSELS, July 29 (Reuters) - Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( HPE )

is expected to secure unconditional EU antitrust

approval for its $14 billion acquisition of networking gear

maker Juniper Networks ( JNPR ), 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 declined to comment. Juniper did not respond to requests

for comment.

HPE was expected to underline the power of market leader and

Juniper rival Cisco ( CSCO ) to allay any possible European

Union 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.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee;

Editing by Mark Potter and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)