Kalamazoo Computer Group Plc has bought the customer base and stock of European Systems Support Ltd, the hardware maintenance arm of European Business Group Ltd for an initial UKP750,000. A further performance-related sum of up to UKP300,000 will be paid within the next 14 months. ESS is adding UKP3m ofturnover and 2,500 customers to the UKP6m Maintenance Services subsidiary of the Kalamazoo Computer Group Plc. Maintenance Services specialises in microcomputers, minicomputers and related peripherals. ESS, as an independent company, will cease to exist within six to 12 months, after it has sold its existing leaseholdings and properties. Northfield, Birmingham-based Kalamazoo Maintenance is to take on about half of its 100 employees, that is field engineers, technical management and some sales staff, but the rest are either to be re-deployed within European Business Group or made redundant. As part of the deal, Kalamazoo Maintenance is also to provide hardware maintenance support to EBG’s customers for three years. The ESS purchase fits into Kalamazoo Maintenance’s current policy of strategic acquisition. The aim is to not only to purchase new skills, but also to improve economies of scale. ESS’s particular speciality is the service and repair of Hewlett-Packard Co and Ing C Olivetti & Co microcomputers and laser printers.
