Lenovo still hopeful about Packard Bell acquisition

Lenovo said it still hoped to buy European computer maker Packard Bell despite a potential stumbling block caused by a recent acquisition by rival Acer, AFP reported. "We remain interested in Packard Bell and we are reviewing our options," said Lenovo spokesman Jay Chen. Lenovo had signed a memorandum of understanding in August to buy Packard Bell, the fourth-largest consumer desktop computer seller in Western Europe. But Acer bought Gateway for US$710 million on August 27. Gateway has an agreement with Packard Bell that gives it the right of first refusal in any sale, which it said it will exercise in the Lenovo deal, thus preventing a Packard Bell sale to the Chinese computer company. It is believed that Lenovo will raise its bid for Packard Bell as a result.