Unicomp pays #2.3m for CEM Computers

Eurodis Electron has sold its Belfast-based reseller subsidiary CEM Computers to US software and services group Unicomp for #2.3 million cash.

Unicomp claims the acquisition of systems and services firm CEM will make it the largest independent computer software provider in Ireland.

It already owns various developer firms and solution providers in Northern Ireland, including ICS, Unibol and CICS. Unicomp also owns computer maintenance firm CMI and internet solution provider Creative Online Media.

The acquisition will take Unicomp?s Northern Ireland turnover to about #30 million. Staffing rises to 300 with the addition of CEM, which had sales of #14.8 million in the year to 31 May 1996.

Lesley Moorland, CEM marketing manager, said the move was a positive one for CEM.

?Unicomp is very focused in Ireland and is keen on investing here, whereas Eurodis is beginning to focus more on its electronic component business in Europe,? she said.

Moorland said CEM would continue trading as normal for the immediate future but said there was a possibility that it could be combined with another Unicomp subsidiary such as CMI, which complements CEM?s business.

Stephen Hafer, Unicomp CEO, said: ?We intend to continue to build on CEM?s excellent reputation for quality of service. Continuity for customers is high on the agenda for Unicomp.?

The #2.3 million purchase price is #1.4 million above CEM?s net asset value. In the 1996 fiscal year the company?s gross profit was #330,000.