A COMPUTER components company is going on the acquisitions trail as it moves to expand its Far East customer base

Gateshead-based Mobilx, run by entrepreneur Steven Bell, is also looking to increase staff numbers tenfold after a buying spree.

Mobilx buys surplus computer processors in the UK, which it exports to the US to blue-chip system builders.

It employs six people but hopes to increase that to 60.

Now the company has instructed its advisors to find suitable acquisitions to grow the £36m turnover company.

It is looking to acquire a UK-based business - either a PC repairs or mail order fulfilment company.

Mr Bell said: "Despite turning over £36m in our first year, we are a relatively small team.

"Now we need to grow in stature as a business, and have the infrastructure to offer new products and services to both our Stateside clients and also in the Far East."

He added: "By the end of 2005, we intend to have both new premises here in the North-East, and a second site somewhere in the UK."

Mobilx is based at Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead.