German PC manufacturer and distributor Vobis has undergone a management buy-in, with two executives acquiring 25% of its stock from the former sole owners, Divaco AG und Co. KG, for an undisclosed sum. The buyers are Juergen Rakow and Juergen Bochmann, who have bought a quarter of the shares in Vobis Holding via their acquisition vehicle Vobis Einzelhandel. That company controls the operating unit, Vobis Microcomputer AG, whose name remains unchanged.
Vobis sells both its own-brand and other leading brand PCs via a network of 43 superstores, 71 wholly owned stores and 123 franchise outlets. Rakow intends to maintain the company’s Highscreen brand, extending it to new product categories, as well as having plans for Vobis’ Cybis built-to-order machines. He does admit, however, that a review will now be undertaken of the existing distribution network, and some outlets may be closed or moved.
Vobis Holding, meanwhile, is now renamed CBA Computer Handels- und Beteiligungs AG, with negotiations currently underway with financial investors for the sale of Divaco’s remaining 75% stake.
