The BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6936239.stm) and El Reg (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/08/08/lenovo_to_buy_packard_bell/) are both reporting that Lenovo is likely to buy Packard Bell.
With the dominance of HP and Dell in the PC market, a strengthened Lenovo seems likely to increase pressures on the smaller companies, like Evesham. I suspect we are going to see a development similar to that in the ADSL market, people will have a choice between the major players and specialist companies who produce to order, but with a price premium.
Shows how much I know Rik, I didn't even know that NEC had sold PB.
PB's only sell in Currys / Dixons / PCWorld any way, as far as I know.
I thought I had seen PB elsewhere, perhaps mail order, but their main output does seem to be with DSG.
If Lenovo bring their quality to the brand, it could change its position in the market significantly.
Agreed Rik, PB can only get better from what I hear. ;)
I know Lenovo have a very good rep for quality, throughout their range and the IBM models. Can only be good news for PB and consumers.