Computerland Poland SA, just about the only eastern European computer company anyone outside the region has heard of has a not-so-secret admirer. Pleasanton, California-based Vanstar Corp, which describes itself as a $1.8bn provider of services and products to design, build, manage and enhance computer network infrastructures of large enterprises, has taken a 7.5% stake in the Warsaw computer products and services company. The US company says the direct investment enhances Vanstar’s long-standing relationship with ComputerLand Poland and positions Vanstar in the rapidly-growing technology services market in Poland. Shares in ComputerLand Poland are traded on the Warsaw stock exchange, which accords it an aggregate in the region of $125m. It is regarded as the number one Polish network integrator – at least by Computerworld, and claims Arthur Andersen & Co, Phillip Morris Inc, Proctor & Gamble Co, CitiCorp and the Polish Securities Commission among its customers. Vanstar paid $8.6m including commissions for 366,000 Computerland shares, and looks to raise its investment to 10%.
