Unix-based microcomputer builder Bleasdale Computer Systems Plc, Lutterworth, Leicestershire, – whose shares are traded over the counter on Harvard Securities’ market, currently at an embarrassing 3.5 pence or so, having been as high as 40 pence has sold a 10% stake to vertical markets turnkey software specialist Optim Computer Group Ltd of Letchworth Hertfordshire. Optim says it wants to raise its holding to about 20% to strengthen its diversification moves – and the companies share a finance director. Bleasdale has a machine approved for use in government by the Central Computer & Telecommunications Agency, and some of Optim’s customers have asked for such a machine. The company’s main product is its Field Service Management System which is sold turnkey at a base price of UKP5,000. An version for networked MS-DOS micros with a lower entry price will be released next week. The current single user and multi-user versions run only on IBM or Olivetti personals, the IBM RT and the AT&T 3B. Bleasdale’s customers will be targetted with Optim products. Optim also announced the acquisition of an ICL Traderpoint dealer, QCL Systems Ltd in Lancashire as part of the drive to broaden its customer base. For Bleasdale, the deal will enable the company to raise funds for expansion. At the end of this month the company will launch its 68030-based machine running Unix System V.3 with a base price of UKP18,000. Bleasdale announced financial results for the year ended November 30 1987, showing a pre-tax profit of UKP68,509 against a loss last time of UKP270,000 on turnover down 11% at UKP823,260. Bleasdale attributed its improved performance to a reductioon in overheads – the London office was closed and all operations were headquartered at Lutterworth – and the company moved into new technology service areas including consultancy, maintenance of Bleasdale hardware and third party Unix-based micros and also turned to vertical markets such as local government and telephone order processing. The company entered the 68020 Unix market in 1986 when it unveiled its own processor and scrapped a deal under which it sourced processor boards from Cambridge-based Tadpole Technology Plc – another Harvard Securities company, whose shares have not done too badly. Tadpole does still supply Bleasdale Computers with memory management units.
