Infinicom set to join forces with Lapland

Mobile computing reseller Lapland will lose its UK independence after it signed a letter of intent to be acquired by Swedish e-commerce company Infinicom, for an undisclosed sum.

The Basingstoke-based reseller and its intended purchaser are going through due diligence in an unprecedented liaison that will provide e-commerce capabilities to Lapland and ready-made access into the UK laptop market for Infinicom. Lapland's distribution arm Planet Mobile will also be included in the sale.

Subject to the proposed agreement, expected to be ironed out by the end of September, Lapland co-owners Michael Neame and Martin Clarke will remain as managing and sales and marketing directors respectively, but will be joined by two Infinicom board members - Peter Fallenius, Infinicom's founder and business developer and Larsake Sandin, who is responsible for Infinicom's existing UK operation, 24 store - an online computer retail operation.

Lapland's purchase will also bring the reseller into the public realm, as impending parent company Infinicom intends to float on Nasdaq by the end of the calendar year, having already obtained a listing in Sweden.

Speaking exclusively to PC Dealer, Clarke said the sale was ideal for both parties. 'We (Lapland) don't have inherent Web skills and Infinicom gets a foot-hold in the UK mobile market - what we have is a perfect marriage. There is no danger of crossover and no excess baggage,' he said.

Fallenius said the Swedish firm was interested in gaining a presence quickly in the UK and would be looking at other potential acquisitions.

'These would be within niche markets rather than the volume market, where we would have less of a focus,' he added.