RM in race to find hardware business buyer

CRN understands Misco, Centerprise and Insight are on the shortlist as RM begins countdown to PC-building exit

RM officially exits the PC-building market this Friday, but is close to signing a deal to ensure its RM One models are still built, CRN understands.

The education specialist announced its intention to exit the PC market last month, which it admitted would result in the loss of 300 jobs over the coming year.

However, it still has a number of its RM One chassis – believed to be about 2,500 to 3,000 – that it is hoping to sell to another hardware supplier, to keep customer orders fulfilled.

CRN understands RM has been talking to three potential buyers – Misco, Centerprise and Insight – and a deal is on the verge of being struck with one of them.

Recent market figures estimated that RM sells about 60,000 desktops a year, with 12,000 of those being RM One models, and the rest comprising other brands including tier-one vendors.

As a result, the firm is also looking to sign a hardware referral partner, CRN has learned. This could be part of the same deal, or separate from the PC-building agreement.

As this article went to press Misco declined to comment, and CRN was awaiting comment from Centerprise, RM and Insight.