The Department of Trade and Industry has applied to the High Court to shut down five computer dealerships - "in the public interest".

The five companies are:

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• NU-TECH SUPPLIES LIMITED
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• ORACAL SYSTEMS LIMITED
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• PASTEL HOLDINGS LIMITED
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• NORAD MARKETING LIMITED
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• TRITECK ELECTRICAL LIMITED

The court has appointed the Official Receiver

The companies are all registered and trade in Essex they all supply computer equipment to the public, the DTI says in a press release.

Nu-Tech, Oracal and Pastel Holding share the same registered office and trading address - 8,The Centre, Lakes Industrial Park, Lower Chapel, Braintree Essex. Dean Edware Morter is the director of all three companies, while Edward Charles Parker ACCA is listed as the company secretary for all concerned. Tritek is registered in Maldon, Essex and it trades from the same town. Director Simon Manthorpe is a former employee of Nu-Teech and the former secretary of Oracal, the DTI says.

The move to close the companies follows a DTI investigation, results of which have not been disclosed.

The Court has appointed the Official Receiver as provisional liquidator of the companies, to safeguard the public interest. It will hear the DTI petitions to close the companies for hearing on 3 October 2001. ®