Hewlett-Packard (HP) will merge its PC and printer businesses in an effort to cut costs, marking the latest stage in the company's restructuring.
The new unit will be led by Todd Bradley, the existing chief of HP's PC business, suggesting that his approach to PC sales could be employed for printers as well. Marketing will also be unified to improve brand image and company efficiency.

"Ensuring we have the right organizational structure in place is a critical first step in driving improved execution, and increasing effectiveness and efficiency," said Meg Whitman, CEO of HP. "The result will be a faster, more streamlined, performance-driven HP that is customer focused and poised to capitalize on rapidly shifting industry trends.”

Last year HP was considering spinning off its PC business or selling it altogether, despite it being one of the more profitable sectors of the company's business. It ultimately decided not to go with that route, but clearly it still sees the need to make savings.

The problem with a merger is that the PC and printer industries are very different, which means that a single management policy for both could result in failures in either of them. Analysts remain cautious about the move, as it is not yet clear if it will be a viable business long-term, but many investors are happy that Whitman is at least making changes to keep the company relevant.

Source: Reuters


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