British & Commonwealth Plc does indeed want to sell the Atlantic Networks Systems arm of its Atlantic Computers Plc acquisition, as revealed here last month (CI No 994), and has signed heads of agreement with Tricom Communications Ltd of Harpendon, Hertfordshire for sale of the company for an undisclosed sum. Tricom was formed by former Case Group people, and the principals at Atlantic Networks are also mainly Case people, so the acquisition will represent a Case reunion. Tricom beat Apricot Computers Plc and Gandalf Technologies to the signing ceremony, and the deal is expected to involve some UKP6m in cash and paper for Atlantic Nets, which is expected to do UKP10m to UKP12m this year, but lost UKP3m last. Atlantic will hold a 10% stake in the enlarged Tricom, which claims to be the UK market leader in Microcom Networking Proticol modems and sees combined 1988 sales of UKP20m. Tricom bought design and manufacturing house Customised Data in January (CI No 856), and a major Mercury order in February (CI No 878).
