The BBB Design Group Plc has acquired some of the assets and businesses of Memory Computer UK Ltd, which went into receivership last month (CI No 1,374). The group is a design and computer services company, and it has paid an initial UKP225,000 in cash, with a further UKP50,000 payable in six months on a deferred consideration business. It has acquired Memory Computer UK Ltd, Memory Computer Investments Ltd, Memory Computer Systems Ltd, and the bureau division, Memory Computer Services Ltd. BBB says that there will be some rationalisation, but the receiver has already made 80 staff redundant, and BBB intends to keep the remaining 20 staff for the time being. The BBB Group comprises two divisions, Advanced Graphic Communications and Database Systems. The first specialises in Apple desktop publishing systems, and the latter provides bureau, software, and consultancy services. The company markets bespoke and packaged software to the financial community, and the bureau services have a strong Prime orientation. Both activities dovetail with Memory Computer’s Prime hardware platform and bureau activities. BBB also markets fourth generation performance management tools, originally developed by the US company, Database Systems Corp. The UK subsidiary, in Harpendon, Hertfordshire staged a management buyout six years ago, and was subsequently acquired by the BBB Design Group, London. Quoted on the Unlisted Securities Market, BBB reported year end turnover of UKP2.7m to April 30 1989, with pre-tax profits of UKP554,000. The two divisions contributed roughly similar amounts, and BBB says that Memory should add another 50% to computer related activities.
