Computer Microrentals improves Hamilton?s PC train of thought

Compel subsidiary Hamilton Rentals has acquired Thorn EMI?s former leasing operation, Computer Microrentals (CMR), for #1.57 million to bolster its rental business.

CMR ? which has 18 staff ? specialises in leasing Intel-based machines to the training sector. The rental company had sales of #1.87 million and pre-tax profit of #470,000. It will retain its name and operate as an additional division of Hamilton, bringing the number of rental divisions to two. CMR has moved its operation into Hamilton?s London premises.

The acquisition by Hamilton also increases the size of its PC rental fleet to about 3,000 machines from the previous figure of 1,000.

Martin Finn, commercial director at Hamilton, said: ?It?s an excellent opportunity to include PC training in our capabilities. The only area we do not have a substantial share in is PCs, because it?s such a fragmented market.?

Hamilton Rentals will also be better placed to provide its part of Hewlett Packard?s educational services programme training scheme, following the vendor?s decision to sell its training courses through the channel three months ago (PC Dealer, 20 May).