IBM Corp’s German personal computer retailing partner Comtech GmbH has sub-licensed Vobis Microcomputer AG to independently assemble, distribute and market the IBM Aptive E series home PC in Germany and Austria through its chain of around 400 stores. IBM first went to Comtech for assembly, marketing and distribution of its PCs in August last year for the German and Austrian markets. From the third quarter, Vobis will offer Aptiva PCs built to customer order. Comtech will continue to distribute and sell the Aptiva brand through its own retail network of 200 stores. IBM will continue to manage the Aptiva brand. Inteco figures suggest the German PC market is growing at 20% per year, with similar projections for 1999.
