Big Blue seeks saviour for SDL

IBM will sign a distributor for SDL?s Aptiva Centres if the troubled specialist can?t find a buyer

IBM will appoint another distributor to look after SDL?s 40-strong Aptiva Centre channel, should the stricken retail specialist fail to find a buyer.

SDL is the #7.5 million distribution arm of Anglo Corporation ? the Woking-based IT conglomerate which went into administration 10 days ago owing IBM #1 million. The firm is confident it will be sold as a going concern, revealed Larry Smith, IBM consumer business manager. ?Obviously I am not privy to their negotiating position, but I speak to SDL daily and I am sure there are several prospective buyers,? he said.

SDL still holds IBM Aptivas in stock, but Smith refused to say whether it would receive any more supply from the vendor.

?We will look after the Aptiva Centres, but my first hope is that SDL manages to pull itself out of the fire,? he said.

?The Aptiva Centres were SDL?s idea in the first place. They provided a good, value-added service for smaller retailers and IBM was very keen to support the concept.?

IBM?s decision on restocking could come more quickly than SDL would like. This week IBM launches a complete revamp of the Aptiva range, which sees the brand sub-divided into three categories.

The seven-strong L series is based on IBM?s current Aptiva line-up. Joining the throng is the budget-price E-Series ? three models with retail prices starting at #1,099(including VAT) and available only to major multiples committing to ?orders by the lorry-load?.

The S-Series ? formerly known as Stealth ? incorporates a charcoal grey livery, and a split system, with the CD-Rom and floppy disk drives housed under the screen and the guts of the machine separated into a tower. According to Smith, the two models are aimed at ?the more innovative family? and weigh in at #2,249 and #2,849. Both prices are inclusive of VAT.

S and L Aptivas are available through Northamber, Frontline and Ingram Micro.