CSL Sues CompUSA Over PC Sales in Mexico

Dallas-based computer distributor COC Services Ltd. said it filed suit against CompUSA Inc., Mexican businessman Carlos Slim Helu and Grupo Carso and Grupo Sanborns, two businesses Slim controls. CSL said CompUSA and Slim “engaged in breach of contract, conspiracy and fraud” in negotiations that attempt to “eliminate CSL from the Mexican personal computer business.”

According to CSL, the suit filed Jan. 3 in a Dallas County court said CompUSA began negotiating with Slim and his companies to open CompUSA stores in Mexico at a time when CSL held exclusive franchise rights.

A CompUSA spokeswoman said the company will not comment on pending litigation.

Grupo Sanborns said Jan. 24 that it planned to buy CompUSA, the largest U.S. computer superstore chain, for about $798 million. Grupo Sanborns already had a 14.8% stake in the company.

The lawsuit says that Telefonos de Mexico, also controlled by Slim, is close to an agreement to sell CompUSA computers directly in Mexico in violation of an exclusive 1999 agreement between CompUSA and CSL. CompUSA attempted to break the exclusive contract at the end of December, CSL said. Telmex officials could not be reached for comment.

CompUSA shares fell 31 cents to close at $9.56 on the New York Stock Exchange.