Panther on the prowl for non-Intel dealers

Hemel Hempstead assembler Panther Computers has embarked on a scheme to recruit a team of UK dealers for its non-Intel PCs.

David Hemming, Panther MD, said he had already signed three and was looking to recruit another 14 countrywide.

'We've started a reseller programme to sell CE mark machines,' he said. 'It's a little like what Opti did with their notebooks. It's for dealers with existing customers who don't have enough money to afford EMC testing.' Panther will offer finance packages at zero per cent interest to resell products based on Cyrix 5x86 and 6x86 designs, among others. 'This will help us to expand sales and begin to spread our message wider,' Hemming said.

'We're doing it very carefully. We're not able to franchise them at present, but with these guys providing a supply network, it potentially means Panther has more sales outlets.' He said the company was also negotiating with big retailers, understood to include PC World. 'It will take six months before the programme is fully up and running.'