Hewlett-Packard Co. will combine its personal-computer unit with the division that sells printers in a group led by Todd Bradley to help cut expenses and simplify management.

Bradley has been executive vice president of the PC business since 2005, Palo Alto, California-based Hewlett-Packard said today in a statement. Vyomesh Joshi, the print division’s executive vice president, is retiring after a 31-year career at the company.

The move will provide unspecified costs savings and simplify the company’s strategy, branding, supply chain and customer support worldwide, according to the statement. Chief Executive Officer Meg Whitman is trying to turn around the world’s largest PC maker amid declines in sales and profit. Since taking the reins last September, she has committed to increase investment in research and development and decided against a proposal to spin off the $39.6 billion personal systems group, known as PSG.

By reuniting the PC and printing divisions, Hewlett-Packard is undoing a change made by former CEO Mark Hurd. He broke up the units in 2005, during his first year running the company.

Hewlett-Packard rose 0.7 percent to $24.14 at 8:59 a.m. before the markets opened. The stock has declined 6.9 percent this year.