Compaq Computer Corp clearly intends to build a full-blooded networking equipment business by acquisition, and following its move on network interface board and hub-maker Thomas-Conrad Corp, it has won agreement to acquire hub builder NetWorth Inc for $372m – $42 a share; Networth had sales of $55m in the year to June 30. Founded in 1985 and based in Irving, Texas, and San Jose, NetWorth develops, manufactures and supplies Fast Ethernet hubs, switches and related products. Compaq says it expects to boost NetWorth sales and lower production costs following the acquisition – NetWorth is strong in the US, relatively weak elsewhere.
