Andas sets up group

Press, 12 June 1984, Page 33

Andas sets up group

Andas Group, Ltd, formerly Armstrong and Springhall, has announced a restructuring and the purchase of 14 small computer and office supplies companies, with perhaps more to be added to the shopping list. A new group is being set up within Andas, developing software and selling IBM PC, Wang, and other computer systems throughout the country. Until recently, IBM did not use agents for its computers, but this has changed with the development of its IBM PC, which is making strong inroads

into the microcomputer market around the world. Wang is a strong business contender in the upper end of the microcomputer market. Mr K. E. S. Fraser, the chairman of Andas Group, Ltd, yesterday announced the forming of the wholly owned subsidiary company operating in these main areas: © The development, marketing, distribution, and export of software products for IBM, Wang, and other computer systems. • The software installa-

tion and software support requirements for IBM, Wang, and other computer sites. 9 The marketing of small IBM, Wang, and other computer systems. © The maintenance of office-equipment showrooms. The name of the new company has still to be approved by the Registrar of Companies, and thus has not been released. To help in the new company’s New Zealand-wide coverage, the Andas directors say agreement has been reached for the pur-

chase of; Barlow Electronics, Ltd, Bay Office Supplies, Ltd, Computer Experience, Ltd, E. M. Systems, Ltd, International Office Equipment, Ltd, Lenart Edwards and Associates, Ltd, Martin Spencer and Associates, Ltd, Power Systems, Ltd, Progressive Computers, Ltd, Shaws Office Supplies, Ltd, Thomson and Ward, Ltd, Thomson and Ward (Rotorua), Ltd, Three Systems, Ltd, and Three Systems Computers, Ltd. Mr Fraser said last evening that none of these companies was in the South Island. The group had still not decided which of a number of options to take to gain South Island coverage. “But you can take it for granted we will be there,” he said. All of the companies to be bought are trading profitably in one of the new company’s four main areas of activity. "In addition, all the operating principals of these companies are financially, contractually, and in principle committed to the new group,” said Mr Fraser. Andas Group, Ltd, will provide administrative services to the new group, and Andas Engineering, Ltd, will take over the engineering support responsibilities of

the member companies. The approval of the Commerce Commission would be sought as necessary, Mr Fraser said. He emphasised that the new subsidiary would be independently managed and will have a' main product emphasis on IBM and Wang. Andas centres will be maintained as a separate entity concentrating on Olivetti, Apple, Cado, and Sharp.