The administrators of Rock Group Plc, Dominic Wong and David Langton of Deloitte, announce the sale of the business and assets as a going concern to Stone Group Limited. It was completed on 19 May 2008 for an undisclosed sum.

The Joint Administrators were appointed on 8 May 2008, since then Deloitte’s Reorganisation Services team has been working closely with the staff at Rock to conclude an early sale of the business.

Dominic Wong, Joint Administrator, said: “We are delighted that a sale of this award winning laptop manufacturer has been secured, preserving employment for the staff.

“As well as ensuring the continued availability of Rock’s high performance laptops, the Stone Group has committed to ensuring that existing customers of Rock continue to receive ongoing warranty, repair and technical support services.”

James Bird, Chief Executive of the Stone Group, said: “This acquisition is great news for Stone and for our customers, because we can now offer a much wider portfolio of laptops.

“By acquiring Rock Computers, Stone has the opportunity to leverage our existing IT manufacturing skills and support resources to develop more specialist Notebook products to meet the demands of some specific verticals in our public sector customer base.

“This transaction is part of our continued growth strategy, where selective acquisitions complement and enhance our existing business, whilst organic growth is maintained by providing a comprehensive, first class service to our customers.”

Nick Boardman, former Chief Executive of Rock Group, said: “I am delighted that Stone’s backing gives us a tremendous opportunity to build on our market leading credentials in the sector from a much stronger financial base. In particular, for me, it is vital that customers’ historic warranties will be supported going forward. Everyone can continue to buy Rock products with confidence.”

Ends

Notes to editors

About Deloitte
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP which is among the country’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting and corporate finance services. Deloitte & Touche LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (‘DTT’), a Swiss Verein whose member firms are separate and independent legal entities.  Neither DTT nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other’s omissions.  Services are provided by member firms or their subsidiaries and not by DTT.  Deloitte & Touche LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.  The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.