A former UCL Group Plc managing director, Chris Creighton Thomas is the founder of a new company, Computer Profiles Group, launched yesterday to address the Unix, AIX and networking markets in the UK. Computer Profiles Ltd, which has its headquarters in Coventry, is the result of a management buy-out from UCL of the personal computer and Unix division of Computer Factors, a Unix and Pick company founded by Creighton Thomas and bought by UCL for UKP2m back in October 1987. According to Creighton Thomas, UCL was not prepared to invest in the division, which sells mostly IBM RTs and PS/2s, as well as Bull XPS and Toshiba laptop systems. Creighton Thomas and former UCL general manager Steve Hardman paid UKP325,000 for the assets and stock of the business, which retains its staff, contracts and dealerships. Current turnover is UKP2.5m – which Creighton Thomas forecasts will double over the next two years – particularly given the expected boost to the RT range expected from IBM this October. And while majoring on Unix is now regarded as a safe bet, Pick is looking much less attractive, particularly since Pick Systems Inc set up in open competition with its licensees he says, referring to the acquisition of lowend Pick specialists Seattle OS. The holding company includes two divisions: Computer Profiles Ltd, which will carry on the valueadded reseller business, addressing market areas such as distribution and public authorities; and a new bespoke software division, Software Profiles Ltd, based in Warwick.
