Roger Thomas and Gino Capito of TeleComp Computer Services, Inc., have purchased Dixieland Computers of Bentonville, owned by brothers Bill and Pete Norwood. The Norwoods own the 60,000sq ft office multi-unit complex which houses the business, and are selling Dixieland Computers to devote full time to the commercial property management business.

The financial specifics of this transaction are undisclosed.

The new owners will begin operations on July 1st. Thomas and Capito will retain the name of Dixieland Computers, and stay at the same location of 702 SE 5th St., in Bentonville. However, their intention is to change the name to TeleComp Computer Services, and to add an additional location on or near Walton Blvd in April of 2004.

Thomas currently owns Thomas Investments, Inc., dba TeleCompNET and TeleComp, Inc . These businesses are incorporated in both Arkansas and Oklahoma, but also provide sales and services in Texas, Tennessee and other areas of the United States. Thomas has been in business since October 1994, and primarily service Sprint and SBC business telecommunications customers, as well as provide business phone systems and network cabling.

Thomas has joined into this new partnership with Gino Capito. Capito worked previously with Dixieland Computers in the late 90's, then in 2000 started his own business in Bentonville, Platinum Technologies, with a local business partner. In 2001, a regional computer consulting firm purchased Platinum Technologies, at which time Capito became a consultant for that firm.

Thomas and Capito became acquainted with each other during the past several years with mutual customers, but never competed against each other because Thomas was into telecommunications, and Capito was into computers. But during the past year, they have worked together directly with prospects and customers, many of which are local suppliers for Wal-Mart.

Thomas stated, "There are two reasons that my company went into this new venture. We've been looking for a way to get our telephone company involved in the computer business, and we feel this is an excellent opportunity to do so. But the main reason is because of Gino Capito's direct affiliation. I know a lot of Gino's current computer customers, and his customers would be the first to tell you that he was one of the best business decisions they've made. So really, because of Gino, there is a deal."

Thomas added, "Both Gino and I have worked with businesses in this area since '95, so buying Dixieland Computers allows us to continue our focus on Bentonville and Rogers. We have several objectives in regards to the Dixieland acquisition, but our two main objectives are to provide superior computer technical service and repair, and to offer a local, economical alternative to purchasing computers and components online."

Capito stated, "We want to continue to build on the stable and reliable computer expertise that Dixieland Computers is known for in Bentonville, while adding additional services like cabling and networking business offices. With computers and telecommunications being so closely related, the partnership between Roger and me will be an excellent fit for most business applications in this area, in which we can sell and service the customers' computer network, telephone system, as well as the lines and circuits the systems are riding on."

A statement from Bill and Pete Norwood said, "We have known Gino and Roger for some time and are excited for them to be the new owners of Dixieland Computers. They are both customer oriented and are committed to making Dixieland the best computer facility around. We urge all of our customers to stop in and get acquainted with them."

Gino Capito will be the President, and CIO (Chief Information Officer) of the company. He holds Microsoft and Cisco certifications, and will mainly be responsible for the daily operations. Roger Thomas is the CEO, and will be responsible for Corporate Communications. He will manage the marketing, research and development, and finances.