RWE Telliance, the telecommunications subsidiary of utilities group RWE AG that is still looking for an international partner, is to take a 12.5% stake in Heppenheim computer manufacturer Escom AG as part of a deal under which the German will sell to Escom its 50-store AssCarfi stores chain.The stake will be acquired from Escom founder and chairman Manfred Schmitt’s personal holdings, and will be held by RWE Mobilfunk GmbH. Escom aims to build up its capabilities in the telecommunications business, and RWE expects to be able to use Escom’s marketing potential to sell its telecommunications services. Siemens Nixdorf AG already has 10% of Escom, and giant mail order house Quelle Schickedanz AG holds 25%.
