A FRANCHISE DISCUSSION STARTS HERE

The first computer franchise to open in the Eastern bloc countries may come about from a happenstance meeting between a Bulgarian visitor and a Computerland executive here.

A delegate on a foreign business seminar, Hristo Mantchev, (See accompanying story.) and Bill Thomas, Midwest regional manager for Computerland, met in the Cape Girardeau Computerland store and began discussions that may evolve into the computer industry's first franchise entry into the former communist Eastern European area.

"Computerland wants to expand its European operation," explained local store owner Curt Smith. "The company prefers existing operations such as his for its franchises." Mantchev started a small business in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, repairing and selling computer equipment, software and office equipment. The former government worker is joining other entrepreneurs in Bulgaria starting businesses since the former communist government was overturned in 1989.

Smith said the process for the franchise agreement is at preliminary stages now, but it should go through.

"Mantchev will have a wide open market with this franchise," Smith predicted. "He could grow quite rapidly with the advantage of very limited competition." Smith estimates Mantchev could see his present three-person operation evolve into a $2 million plus business in two to three years.

Mantchev said he plans to travel to Luxembourg, Computerland's European headquarters, soon to negotiate a contract with the company for the franchise.

Smith said Thomas was enthused with the potential since Mantchev has the right resources and the company wants to extend its operation in that area. A new franchise opening in Moscow is the only one east of the Western European countries north of lower Asia.

Computerland is the largest computer franchiser in the world, having 800 stores, 200 of which are outside the U.S. It carries IBM, Apple and other major brands.