IBM Svenska AB, Stockholm wants to get out of manufacturing and has persuaded Swedish venture-capital company Atle Frvaltnings AB to buy a 65% stake in its printer-making business, Jrflla ICC; it will retain the other 35% for now. Atle and IBM say said under the new owners, the unit will be able to develop new ink-jet products while allowing IBM to achieve an internal aim of concentrating its business on core areas. Turnover for 1994 is estimated at about $127m, assets at $76m. IBM is expected to remain a customer for its products. This year a small loss is expected, but a successful launch of the new ink-jet technology should lay the ground for good sales and profits in future, the firms said. For Atle, in which the Swedish state has a minor stake, this will be its first direct rather than indirect investment. It may float the company in a few years. Financial terms were not revealed.
