AOL Expands HP Pact, Beats Growth Estimates

America Online Inc. said worldwide membership in its flagship Internet service has surpassed 30 million, beating most analysts’ estimates for growth, and it has expanded a marketing and technology pact with computer and printer maker Hewlett-Packard Co.

AOL, a unit of AOL Time Warner Inc., said its subscription base has doubled over the last 2 1/2 years. AOL raised the price for its flagship service to $23.90 a month from $21.95 in May.

As part of the multimillion-dollar pact with Hewlett-Packard, AOL will use a range of Hewlett-Packard’s computing system products and storage support services.

Hewlett-Packard also will market its products across several of AOL’s interactive brands as part of the 18-month pact.

On the NYSE, AOL Time Warner fell 10 cents to $53, and Hewlett-Packard rose 49 cents to $26.86.