HP considering merging PC and printer units

HP may be about to merge its hardware operations

HP is considering merging its PC and printer units, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

The report cites sources close to the plans, and states that Todd Bradley, executive vice president of HP's PC product group, is already lined up to head the combined unit should the merger go ahead.

The two businesses were joined during Carly Fiorina's reign as HP chief executive, but were split again when current incumbent Mark Hurd took over.

The units performed well as separate entities over the following years, but the printer arm is now starting to flounder, according to HP's own financial results.

HP gets a large chunk of its revenues from services and software, so a combined hardware arm makes some sense, especially as its PC business dominates the market, and printing seems to be going the other way.

When V3.co.uk contacted the HP newsroom expecting the standard 'no comment' response, we were instead teased with this: "At the moment I can't comment on that - but if you call back later you'll be able to speak to someone with some more information."

Could be HP is gearing up to make an official announcement when the US wakes up for business later.