British Telecom is buying the UK computer bureau and software development arm of San Francisco-based Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company for an undisclosed cash sum. Fireman’s Fund Systems Enterprises Inc, located in Hove, Sussex, specialises in bespoke software for IBM mainframes. The acquisition brings another IBM 3090-180 mainframe and 90 staff to Telecom. It will become part of British Telecom Applied Technology where it will form the basis of new activities relating to IBM system development and facilities management. No details of the turnover of the unit or the price paid were given.