Abstracts » Business, general

As cheap printers score, H-P plays catch-up

Article Abstract:

Lower cost ink-jet and laser printers are now garnering approximately $5 billion out of the $13 billion computer-printer market. Unit sales have an annual growth rate of 42%. H-P, which offers high-end printers, finds itself virtually last in the affordable-printer market. With the explosion in Internet usage, consumers are relying on printers that cost $500 or less. Companies such as NEC Corp., Compaq and Canon Inc. have introduced printers that cost less than $100. Seiko Epson Corp. and Lexmark International Group Inc. have shown impressive gains in the low-end computer printer market with their under-$100 offerings. Epson has shown marked brand-name recognition and markets its printers on their resolution strength. Xerox also has a seven-year plan to establish itself as no. two in the low-end printer market.

Marketing procedures, Market share, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing, Laser Printers, Computer Input-Output Eqp NEC, Forecasts and trends, Computer peripherals industry, Market trend/market analysis, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Printers (Computers), Printers (Equipment), Company market share

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Ames Department Stores is buying Hills, vaulting to no. 4 in discount retail

Article Abstract:

Not everyone is thrilled about Ames Dept. Stores buying Hills Stores in a deal valued at $127 million plus assumption of debt. In particular, noteholders of Hills feel the deal is an insult to Hills and will try to block the deal. The acquisition, if approved, will make Ames the number 4 discount retailer, up from number 6, with expansion into Hills' Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina markets.

Asset sales & divestitures, Acquisitions & mergers, All Other Specialty Food Stores, Variety stores, Discount Stores, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Ames Department Stores Inc., AMES, Hills Stores Co., HDS

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Northeast Utilities says unit award two new contracts

Article Abstract:

Boston Edison wires will carry the power for winning bidder, Select Energy, to supply electric power to about 650,000 customers in New England. Select Energy, a unit of Northeast Utilities, won the $300 million contract in closed bidding, one of the largest contracts in the country thus far.

Electric Utilities, Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, New orders received, Electric services, Contracts, Electric power, Northeast Utilities Service Co., NU, Select Energy Inc.

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