HP is considering restructuring its business to more closely ally printers and PCs.

The move sounds very like what Carly Fiorina did in 2005. Although then it was the printer unit which was seen as the stronger partner. At the time there was much talk that HP might split itself into at least three divisions, or even separate companies.

Since then HP has seen big growth in PC sales and although margins on its magic ink remain strong the firm is less dependent on printer profits.

Instead it is services and software where HP makes the big bucks. Maybe that will be the end result of the printer/PC moves - an easier and cheaper way to distribute its lower-end physical products.

The changes still need final sign-off from chief executive Mark Hurd, according to the Wall Street Journal's anonymous sources. ®

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• HP unites golden printer biz and gimpy PC unit (14 January 2005)