Siemens AG, Munich is preparing to make a move that would add a formidable 70,000 employees to its payroll and consolidate its position as the number one European group in computers. The company would like to take a controlling interest in VEB Kombinat Robotron of Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden, Siemens said in an interview with Westfalenpost. Robotron and Videoton Corp of Budapest, Hungary are the two leading computer companies in the Comecon countries, and as well as making near IBM 360-compatible – but very dated – mainframes, Robotron has chip fabrication facilities and manufactures microcomputers using both imported and its own microprocessors. Its skills are primarily in scientific and technical software, but it also includes the Erika electronic typewriter and office equipment firm. Integrating both Nixdorf Computer AG and Robotron with Siemens Data Systems would present the company with a monumental task.
