Computacenter tipped for Citibank contract

Computacenter has emerged as the favourite to pick up a multi-million pound supply contract with Citibank, usurping Info'Products as the incumbent supplier.

The Citibank account has gone out to tender for the first time in six years. Originally won in 1992 by Simmons Magee - bought by Info'Products last year - it was re-signed for a further three years in 1995. The winner of the #10 million contract will be announced on 26 June.

But, observers have predicted Computacenter will gain the account as a result of its existing hardware relationship with Citibank. Computacenter Citibank account manager, Grant Evans, refused to comment.

Former Citibank account manager at Simmons Magee, Ken Phillips, and Info'Products account manager, Mark Kelly, are now both employed at Computacenter.

Info'Products has lost several accounts inherited from Simmons Magee, including Scottish Nuclear, Harper Collins and 50 per cent of Chase Manhattan.

It would be a major blow to lose the account, especially in light of the revelation that its UK operation has suffered financial discrepancies over the past two years resulting in a total loss of #10 million (PC Dealer, 29 April).

Former UK MD of Info'Products, John Trueman - now MD at Servo - admitted he had received several CVs from Info'Products. One source added: 'I believe people are still leaving Info'Products and joining former management.'

Howard Dickel, Info'Products director of business development, refused to comment on the Citibank account, but admitted the company was in a 'closed-bid process'.