CU runs out of time to stay in Apple line up

Computers Unlimited (CU) has finally been cast out of Apple's hardware channel after the distributor failed to receive a renewal contract.

Apple's two other distributors, Computer 2000 and Ingram Micro, confirmed they had received the updated contracts more than three weeks ago, but James Samson, CU managing director, said he had not been in receipt of any agreement.

He stated: 'I was expecting a contract, but we can sell Apple until the end of October.'

The vendor had previously terminated its contract with CU in March after which the distributor would serve a 90-day notice period. However, Apple later reneged on the decision by allowing CU to continue selling its products until 31 October (PC Dealer, 24 June).

Samson said: 'As far as I am aware Apple has not finalised the distribution line up. You can only fight someone's determination for so long, but Apple's slogan is "Think different", so who knows what the next 90 days might hold for CU.'

But a representative for Apple added: 'No company wants to lose a distributor, but the levels and needs of business mean that the channel has to go from three to two partners.'

Terry Martin, director of Apple business at Ingram Micro, said: 'Apple had stated in December that it wanted to move from three distributors to two. It hasn't happened yet, but I think this is the time.'

Meanwhile, Apple has followed in the footsteps of Siemens Nixdorf and Fujitsu by selling the iMac through two of Tesco's outlets on a month-long trail period.