Gateway revises Q1 results

Revised results may open retailer to financial recovery.

PC manufacturer and retailer Gateway has revised its first-quarter results to help implement its cost-cutting strategy.

The company admitted it is considering leaving some European markets this year to focus more on its consumer and business strength, but has refused to say whether the strategy will affect the UK.

Gateway is also restating its first three quarterly results for 2000, and revising its full-year results to "reflect the retroactive adoption of new accounting principles".

Ted Waitt, co-founder of the company, returned last month as chief executive, before announcing a major restructure.

The company has axed 3000 staff, of which an undisclosed number were from the UK (CRN, 17 January).

"We expect to continue operating on a break-even basis during the first half of 2001," Waitt said, adding that he planned a return to profitability during the second half.

A source close to the company said Gateway should not be written off, despite rumours.

"In the UK market, Gateway appears below Dell, Dixons, Tiny and Time, but is still a key business-to-business player and has global presence," the source said.