Packard Bell

[Chris Rehm <Mr.AS400@xxxxxxx>]

There was some conversation here about the NEC-Packard Bell deal so when
this timely article hit my email I thought I'd pass it on.



____NEC Ups Investment In Packard Bell_____
NEC Corp. invested $300 million in Packard Bell NEC Inc. 
last week, boosting the total amount of its ownership stake 
in the privately-held company to $1.3 billion, or 49%. 

NEC, a Tokyo-based conglomerate, spun off its PC operations 
last year and combined them with Packard Bell's in a holding 
company that gave NEC a 20% ownership stake. The strategy 
was to give NEC's computer operations a broader global 
presence and transform them into a direct-channel operation. 
Since then, NEC has gradually increased its stake in the 
holding company with equity investments. The NEC division of 
the holding company serves only corporate customers, while 
the Packard Bell division serves only consumers.

The $300 million investment, announced Dec. 25, will be used 
by the NEC division to increase its build-to-order 
manufacturing facilities and its direct-marketing operations 
through the addition of call centers, says Luis Machuca, 
executive VP of the holding company. Machuca expects the 
holding company will go public "as soon as possible."

Along with its stake in the PC holding company, NEC Corp. 
has major interests in telecommunications, semiconductors, 
monitors, and mainframes.  --Tom Davey 




Chris Rehm
Mr.AS400@ibm.net

How often can you afford to be unexpectedly out of business?
Get an AS/400.
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