La Cie to Purchase APS -- La Cie Ltd. has signed a deal to purchase storage vendor and long-time TidBITS sponsor APS Technologies. Last January, APS filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following Apple's decision to stop licensing the Mac OS and the dissolution of hard drive manufacturer Micropolis (see "APS Files Chapter 11, Expects to Emerge Soon" in TidBITS-415). According to APS Vice President Paul McGraw - who will be staying with the new company - APS will remain a distinct brand with its own sales channels, and APS will continue to offer the same support and service they always have. Although neither company discussed the purchase price, estimates place sales for the combined company over $100 million this year, which would make it a giant among vendors of after-market storage and peripherals. Pending the approval of bankruptcy court, the purchase is expected to be finalized within a month. [GD]

<http://www.lacie.com/>
<http://www.apstech.com/>
<http://db.tidbits.com/article/04688>