Escom AG
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | January 1, 1986 in Darmstadt, Germany |
| Founder | Manfred Schmitt |
| Defunct | July 15, 1996 |
| Fate | Bankruptcy and liquidation |
| Headquarters | Darmstadt , Germany |
Area served | Europe, United Kingdom, Germany |
| Products | Personal computers, Commodore and Amiga branded computers |
Escom AG, initially known as Schmitt Computer Systems, was a German-based computer enterprise recognized for its 1995 acquisition of Commodore International along with the Amiga trademarks.
The company originated in 1986 when Manfred Schmitt established it in Darmstadt as a computer segment within his music business. Escom gained independence in 1991 and subsequently went public in 1993. By the year 1994, it commanded an 11.2% share of the personal computer market in Germany.
Between 1992 and 1993, Escom extended its operations into the United Kingdom by setting up a distribution and assembly facility in Irvine, North Ayrshire. It operated modest-sized retail outlets located in town centers, offering customized PC builds on demand, which differed from the prevalent UK models dominated by large superstores and mail-order services.
A substantial increase in Escom’s UK retail presence occurred in February 1995 through the acquisition of multiple branches from the Rumbelows electronics chain, previously owned by Thorn EMI. In April of the same year, Escom acquired Commodore International for US$14 million, primarily to obtain the Commodore and Amiga brand rights. This purchase outpaced bids from competitors such as Dell and Creative Electronics International.
Post-acquisition, Escom promoted computers branded under Commodore throughout Europe and formed a specialized division dedicated to Amiga-related technology.
However, rapid growth resulted in considerable financial deficits—amounting to 185 million Deutsche Mark during 1995. Lacking continued backing from shareholders, Escom filed for bankruptcy on 15 July 1996 and was subsequently liquidated. The Commodore trademarks were sold to Tulip Computers in 1997, while other intellectual property assets were acquired by Gateway 2000.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Insolvent companies
- Computer companies established in 1986
- Computer companies disestablished in 1996
- German companies established in 1986
- German companies disestablished in 1996
- Amiga companies
- Commodore International
- Defunct computer companies of Germany
- Defunct computer hardware companies
- Defunct computer systems companies
- 1993 initial public offerings
- Companies formerly listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange