Vobis

Vobis has signed a deal with IBM whereby the struggling German manufacturer will assemble and customise IBM's Aptiva E series of home computers for German customers. The machines will be available in Vobis' German and Austrian stores. According to IBM, the Vobis-made Aptivas would be 12 per cent more expensive than local brands, compared with 30 per cent to 40 per cent more expensive than IBM made PCs sold through other European retailers. Vobis has previously had similar relationships with Apple and Compaq.