ok i looked it up HP = Harry Palmer
http://www.hpfoods.com/brands/hpsauce/
and the giant food company Heinz has bought the company
and from this report:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4110006.stm
there is mention of the brand we see in the US:
"Danone had bought HP Foods - which also makes sauces
under the Lea & Perrins brand - for £199m from Hanson in 1998."

and it is no longer owned by the French company, since June...
UK-based HP Foods, which also makes sauces under the Lea & Perrins, Daddies and Amoy names, was sold by French group Danone in June.

sounds like these companies are being tossed around
like hot potatoes...