Data Dynamics Ltd, of Hayes, Middlesex, the computer peripherals manufacturer and distributor, which went into receivership in 1981 when it was bought by venture capital group Innotech and which was subsequently taken over in 1986 by its management who bought a 51% stake in it, (CI No 417) is now in a position to follow an acquisition policy. For the field service arm of Data Dynamics has acquired Buckinghamshire-based Alphatech for an undisclosed sum. The venture was internally financed by the directors of Data Dynamics, Ken Rathborne and John Millward, who wanted Alphatech’s skills and facilities in the maintenance of personal computers and office printers (which produces a turnover of UKP450,000), to expand their own UKP750,000 turnover, partly derived from the maintenance of multi-user systems, heavy duty printers, and terminals. Data Dynamics, which also manufactures SigNet multi-user computer systems such as the Sig/Net CPU-per user and the CP/M multi user micro, and distributes a variety of peripherals, including its own 400 and 600 series colour printers, is to re-locate Alphatech at its own facility in Hayes. Alphatech’s managing director, Glyn Evans, has been appointed director and general manager of the joint maintenance operations under the Data Dynamics name. He pledges that unbroken maintenance service will be provided for all Alphatech clients. The acquisition will enable both companies to offer maintenance for a wider range of computer products from offices in Hayes, Manchester and Edinburgh. Perhaps this acquisition will enable Data Dynamics to recover fully from large research and development-generated losses in 1985, since at present, turnover is still some way from reaching the UKP3.5m mark of that year.
