The man is certainly financially competent
Where his own finances are concerned, that is. Everything I have read about him tells me he is also a major pain in the behind.
So Icahn is behind this merger. Well now things are taking shape : Icahn wants it because he thinks he will be able to benefit from it. The number of layoffs that this merger would generate is none of his concern. So he will push and maneuver, then bother everyone to hell, then rant and rave until he gets what he wants.
I almost feel sorry for the boards of HP and Xerox. Almost.