EVESHAM Technology has said jobs could go following its strategic acquisition of a computer company in Wales.

The award-winning personal computer supply and service company has acquired the Swansea-based Mertec Computers Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

Carolyn Worth, assistant to the managing director, Richard Austin, said there could be a number of redundancies but could not confirm how many, or from which departments, other than to say they would be mainly managerial positions.

"The number of redundancies has not been confirmed yet - we are in the process of negotiating with staff," said Miss Worth.

"There are enough vacancies for the number of people whose jobs have gone, and in the end, there may not be any redundancies - that would be the ideal situation - but it is a matter of matching the skills to the positions available and whether people want to take alternative jobs."

Miss Worth said it would be mainly managerial positions affected, in human resources and administration.

"The whole thing will settle in about two weeks when people have had time to consider their options."

The company employs about 400 people at its site on Vale Park, in Evesham, and almost 200 people at other locations.

Until now, it has grown organically, developing into a business with a £100m annual turnover.

This year, for the second year running, it was awarded the PC Pro Service Award, voted for by readers of the magazine for quality of service delivery.

While Evesham Technology is strong in the business-to-business and personal-supply markets, Mertec excels in the supply and maintenance of computers and networks to the education sector, an area where Evesham is keen to expand its presence.

The acquisition of Mertec, which has a wide customer base with schools, colleges and other educational establishments throughout the UK and Wales, gives Evesham Technology a strong position in the education sector.