As we suggested it would (CI No 1,387), Lex Service Plc has put its computer distribution business Hawke Systems up for sale. Lex is currently negotiating with the managing director of systems, Peter White, who is leading a management buyout of the company with several divisional managers. Hawke Systems is a DEC and Motorola distributor and wiped out profits of UKP60,000 last year on turnover that declined by 14% to end up a little under UKP11m. Graham Hilton, divisional manager in charge of DEC products says that the company has already turned the corner back into profitability, but added that DEC’s change of heart regarding distribution channels (CI No 1,392) which now enables value-added resellers to sell into DEC’s strategic accounts, will help considerably in getting the company back into shape. Rather more surprising was the news that Lex is playing around with its electronic components distributor Hawke Components. Lex is transferring that company’s Texas Instruments franchise to its broadline distributor Jermyn, and is transferring the Inmos franchise to its Impulse distributor. This effectively leaves Hawke Components with its Fujitsu franchise, and its management team is in negotiation to buy out the company with help from an unnamed UK third party group.
