Tulip Computers

Tulip Computers NV

Company type	Public (formerly)
Industry	Computer hardware
Predecessor	Compudata
Founded	1979
Defunct	2009
Fate	Bankrupt and liquidated
Headquarters	Amersfoort , Netherlands
Products	IBM PC compatible computers, Commodore brand computers

Tulip Computers NV was a Netherlands-based computer manufacturer recognized for producing IBM PC clone systems.

History

Originating in 1979 under the name Compudata, the company initially focused on importing American microcomputers. It subsequently became the European distributor for the Exidy Sorcerer, a home computer powered by the Zilog Z80 processor. When Exidy ended support in 1979, Compudata acquired licensing rights and commenced local production of the Sorcerer model for several years.

In 1983, the firm introduced the Tulip PC, a personal computer engineered to be fully compatible with the IBM PC by replicating its BIOS. This led to legal action from IBM, culminating in a settlement reached in 1989. The company went public on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange in 1984 and adopted the Tulip Computers name in 1987.

Tulip attracted attention within the Commodore user community by purchasing the Commodore brand in September 1997. It made efforts to penetrate the gaming and entertainment sectors through Commodore-branded offerings during 2003–2004. In 2000, a contract funded by the Dutch government with Tulip was terminated by Bangladesh's government over pricing disagreements; Tulip later secured compensation through litigation in The Hague.

Following some advancements in market presence, Tulip divested the Commodore brand to Yeahronimo Media Ventures for €22 million, finalizing the deal in March 2005. In September 2007, Tulip announced intentions to reacquire Commodore shares at one dollar apiece, aiming to capitalize on emerging market prospects.

On 26 June 2008, Tulip underwent a name change to Nedfield NV. The company faced significant challenges during the Great Recession, resulting in multiple subsidiaries declaring bankruptcy and applying for suspension of payments. Ultimately, Nedfield NV was declared bankrupt by the Utrecht district court on 3 September 2009 and was subsequently liquidated.

Sponsorships

Tulip served as a sponsor for Crystal Palace Football Club between 1991 and 1993, as well as supporting professional cycling teams based in Spain (1989–1990) and Belgium (1990–1992), including its own Tulip Computers cycling team.

See also

• Tulip System-1, an early example of a 16-bit personal computer