Compaq, Sears in Deal

Compaq Computer Corp. said it has entered an alliance with Sears, Roebuck & Co. for its Presario Internet PCs to be sold in 860 Sears stores across the country. Under the multiyear pact, the Presario will be the only Windows-based desktop PC brand sold at Sears, and Compaq will be the featured brand across all other of Sears’ home computing categories, including notebooks, printers and monitors. In addition to carrying a full line of Presario PC products, the retail giant will feature special Sears-only Presario configurations. The two companies also are planning joint advertising and promotional campaigns. Compaq shares closed down 13 cents at $27.44, while Sears fell $1.25 to finish at $38.63, both on the NYSE.