The end of the road for Dragon?

DRAGON Data has called in the receiver.

Managing director Brian Moore explained: “With the continuing difficulties of establishing profitable trading in the home computer markets in the UK and abroad, Dragon Data Ltd has requested its bankers to call in a receiver.

“This is despite great efforts in the last 12 months when the management was strengthened, the overheads cut, advisors brought in, several new models developed and further finance provided by the shareholders.

The decision to call in the receiver comes just eight months after Prutech organised a £4.5m rescue (PCW 8-14 September, 1983). The package consisted of £1.25m in new equity, £1.25m in loans and a £2m guaranteed overdraft.

There have been signs for some time that Dragon has been in trouble, most recently with British Home Stores dropping the Dragon 32 and Boots deciding to add the Amstrad and MSX machines to its range.

However, Dragon appeared to have weathered its latest problems with the launch last week of the Dragon Professional — a 6809-based machine with 64K Ram and integral 3 1/2in disc drive.

Additional business and MSX machines were also in the offing.

But Brian Moore still hopes to salvage something front the company. “The Dragon manegement has confidence in its new products and the market opportunities they represent and will be using their best endeavours in helping the receiver to explore ways of continuing trading.”

Other companies which produce software and peripherals for the Dragon also hope to continue in business. “It is the blackest day so far for the 6809,” said Ted Opyrchal of Compusense. “But whatever happens, we will continue to support the machine for as long as customers want software.”