Lenovo is currently one of the top computer hardware manufacturers and vendors in the world and the Chinese company is constantly expanding its market reach and status. The newest market where Lenovo hopes to gain a strong foothold is the European one that even if it doesn't expand as rapidly as the Chinese market, it's much more receptive to high end computer systems, both desktop and mobile, that are Lenovo's specialty.

In order to facilitate this move on the European market, Lenovo wants to acquire the electronics maker and vendor Packard Bell that already is an established company in Europe. If the deal is successful, the main Lenovo rival, the Asian manufacturer Acer, will be left to explore the European computer market with no allies. According to a Lenovo statement, the negotiations for the acquisition of the European company are already under way, and while Packard Bell did not release an official statement, its owner said that he is interested in Lenovo's offer.

"Lenovo and I have indeed signed a MOU granting them exclusivity to purchase Packard Bell once all regulatories and contract obligations are fulfilled," said John Hui, the owner of the European company. "The (intended) acquisition signifies Lenovo's determination, commitment, and long-term planning in entering the PC consumer market after it has successful completed its merger with IBM PC," Hui said. "Packard Bell will provide Lenovo a spearhead into Europe and a jump start into the PC consumer market."

The acquisition of Packard Bell may put once again Lenovo on a war footing with its rival Acer, that is rumored to have been interested in the European computer market too. John Hui neither confirmed, nor denied the rumors stating only that "I have not entered into any agreements with Acer concerning Packard Bell," which could of course mean that he was not pleased with Acer's offering and terms. Lenovo and Acer are already fighting over the Asian laptop market and at least in Europe the acquisition of an established brand name could tip the scales in Lenovo's favor.