Hewlett-Packard (HP) said Monday it would split into two publicly listed companies, separating its personal computer and printing businesses from its corporate technology operations, which include data storage, servers and software.

An icon in the technology sector and a household name to many, Hewlett-Packard said it was trying to drive higher profits by adapting to changing consumer tastes that have shifted from desktops and laptops to smartphones and tablets.

HP's computer and printer business will be known as HP Inc, while the corporate hardware and services operations will be called Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.

"In short, by transitioning now from one HP to two new companies, created out of our successful turnaround efforts, we will be in an even better position to compete in the market, support our customers and partners, and deliver maximum value to our shareholders," current CEO Meg Whitman said in a statement.

Investors and analysts had called for a break-up of the company - or a sale of the personal computer business - so that HP could focus on its most profitable sectors, such as providing computer servers, networks and data storage to businesses.

The company has struggled in recent years, laying off tens of thousands of employees in response to dwindling sales.

With 300,000 employees, HP is on track to earn $112 billion (89 billion euros) in revenue this fiscal year.

The planned split comes a week after another big technology company, eBay, announced it would spin off its mobile payment service PayPal, its fastest growing segment.

el/cjc (Reuters, AP, AFP)