Microgen Holdings Plc has underlined its commitment to computer output microfilm against optical disk by acquiring the COM business of Microscribe Business Systems Plc for an initial consideration of UKP1.8m cash. Microgen already does around two thirds of its business in computer output microfilm – the other third is in laser printing – and from Microscribe it will be getting an operation turning over a further UKP3m a year, with profits of around UKP500,000. Microscribe employs 52 staff at COM bureaux in Andover, Hull, London, Milton Keynes, Northwich and Swindon; net assets being acquired stand at UKP150,000. Microgen, whose managing director John Thorpe believes there will be a significant computer output microfilm market for the duration of his lifetime (CI No 1,471), also hopes to sell other Microgen group services to Microscribe’s 500 clients. Completion is expected in September.
