HP's $1.05bn Samsung deal suggests printing isn't dead

The following appears on Wired.com

6,500 patents and 1,500 researchers and engineers will move from Samsung to HP as part of the deal

By JAMES TEMPERTON – HP Inc. has agreed to buy Samsung’s printer business for $1.05 billion (£788 million) in an attempt to “disrupt” the $55bn photocopying industry.

As part of the deal, HP will swallow up 6,500 patents related to printing and Samsung’s team of 1,500 researchers and engineers. Samsung has also agreed to buy between $100m (£75m) and $300m (£225m) in HP shares through open-market purchases after the sale is completed.

The deal is the first major move by HP since the company split itself in two in November 2015, creating HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprises. The former is focused on consumer products, the latter on enterprise.