Gateway Closing More Stores
Gateway is closing 76 more of its Gateway Country Stores this week and laying off 1,900 more workers in its effort to return to profitability.
The measures, announced last week, were the latest moves by the PC maker to reduce costs by more than $400 million. The current cuts will amount to between $75 million and $80 million. Gateway, which closed four retail stores in January, retains 192 Gateway Country Stores nationwide.
Officials said they will continue the expansion of Gateways product offerings into new areas. For businesses, the company will relaunch its server and storage line next month and grow its mobile computing line by adding tablet and convertible PCs and handheld devices.
Sprint Names Forsee CEO
Sprint last week named Gary Forsee as CEO, succeeding William Esrey, who will continue in his role as Sprints chairman during a transition period.
Forsee most recently served as vice chairman of BellSouth. His appointment was enabled by a decision by Judge William Webster, who served as the arbitrator in a suit brought by BellSouth and Cingular against Forsee. Webster last week issued conditions that Forsee must follow to protect BellSouths and Cingulars confidential data.
Ex-Employee Hits Sun With Bias Suit
A former Sun Microsystems employee claims in a class action suit filed this month that the company discriminated against him and other employees when it laid off about 2,500 workers in 2001.
Former Sun Software Engineering Manager Walter Kruz claims that Sun engaged in age and race discrimination when it fired him and others. Kruz alleges that Sun unfairly favored younger, often lower-paid workers of East Indian origin when deciding whom to lay off in 2001. Kruz, 52, said Sun attempted to conceal these acts, which, he claims, violate California law. Sun officials were not available for comment.