PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news

THE POWERFUL business fortnightly Computer Trade Only has been acquired by Intent Media - publisher of PC Retail

Enta technologies has announced a new distribution partnership with Acer, the number one notebook vendor in Europe.

PC software giant Avanquest has consolidated its position in the UK with the acquisition of FastTrak. The former MD of FastTrak, Jon Silvera, is to take over running of the Avanquest UK retail division.

Graphics giant ATI is celebrating its Crossfire technology by offering a day at Silverstone driving a Ferrari 355 to one lucky PC Retail reader.

Dixons Stores Group, the owners of UK technology chains PC World, Currys and Dixons, has agreed to sell its stake in high street communications chain The Link to O2

Harlow distributor Gem has acquired the assets and brands of the Exspect range of accessories.

Microsoft has teamed up with distributor VIP to bring attention to its Genuine Advantage anti-piracy initiative.

Antivirus and maintenance software package is offered to the US market for a cool $50 a year

To celebrate becoming an official partner of Acer notebooks, distributor VIP is offering retailers a boost by offering an Acer Travelmate 2423WXMi Notebook for £324.00.

Telco giant swoops for etailer as part of its “strategy to strengthen its online sales and service capabilities.”

VIP hopes to capture the imagination of football fans in the run up to the World Cup with an HDTV/Media Center PC spring bundle.

Dixons is to become an exclusively online brand with 190 Dixons retail outlets being rebranded ‘Currys.digital’.