CMS Computers
CMS Computers was a Warrington-based British computer manufacturer known primarily for its Zoostorm desktop, laptop and tablet systems.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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History
CMS Computers was established in 1993 in Warrington, England, by Ian Fraser and Sion Roberts. It developed as a British computer manufacturer and system integrator, producing complete systems rather than focusing solely on individual components. Its manufacturing scope included desktop computers, laptops, tablets and servers, with systems assembled for the United Kingdom market. During the 2000s, CMS participated in the expanding British market for assembled personal computers. The company competed by configuring systems around industry-standard components, including Intel-based platforms, and by selling through brand identities that were more consumer-facing than the CMS corporate name. Zoostorm became its principal consumer-oriented brand, while FizzBook was another brand associated with its portable-computer offerings. In 2009, CMS used figures attributed to Microsoft to describe its market position. The company stated that it was the fifth-largest UK manufacturer of desktop computers, laptops and servers and the third-largest manufacturer of Intel-based systems. The figures were presented in a company press release and provide context for CMS's domestic scale, although they are not independent evidence of global market leadership. A major ownership change occurred in November 2011, when VIP Computer Centre acquired CMS Computers. The buyer was a distributor of PC components, and the transaction value was not disclosed. At the time, CMS was reported to have annual sales of more than £30 million. Its operating portfolio included Zoostorm and FizzBook. After the acquisition, CMS initially retained an independent operating identity, and its co-founders continued to run or lead the business. Ian Fraser and Sion Roberts left CMS in 2017. They subsequently founded another PC-manufacturing company, marking the end of their documented leadership role at CMS. The available reference material does not provide a clear account of CMS's subsequent trading activity, corporate dissolution, brand retirement or integration into VIP Group. As a result, the company's current status cannot be stated confidently. Historically, CMS is best understood as a significant UK-focused system builder whose public profile was carried by the Zoostorm and FizzBook brands and whose ownership later moved to a technology-distribution group.
- 2017
Founders depart
[1]Ian Fraser and Sion Roberts leave CMS Computers and later establish a new PC-manufacturing company.
- 2011
Acquisition by VIP Computer Centre
[1]VIP Computer Centre acquires CMS Computers for an undisclosed amount, with CMS continuing initially as an independent operation.
- 2009
CMS reports UK manufacturing rankings
[1]CMS cites Microsoft figures placing it fifth among UK desktop, laptop and server manufacturers and third among Intel-based system manufacturers.
- 1993
CMS Computers is founded
[1]Ian Fraser and Sion Roberts establish CMS Computers in Warrington, England.
Products and positioning
A United Kingdom-focused computer manufacturer and system integrator offering assembled desktop, laptop, tablet and server systems, with consumer products primarily marketed under the Zoostorm and FizzBook brands.
Consumer computer brand
Zoostorm
Zoostorm was CMS Computers' principal consumer-facing brand. It was associated with assembled desktop and laptop computers and gave CMS a recognizable retail identity beyond its corporate manufacturing name. The available reference material identifies Zoostorm as one of the brands operated by CMS at the time of its 2011 acquisition.
Portable computer brand
FizzBook
FizzBook was a CMS Computers brand associated with portable computing products. It formed part of the company's branded product portfolio alongside Zoostorm and was still identified as a CMS-operated brand when VIP Computer Centre acquired the company in 2011.
Desktop computers
CMS desktop computers
CMS manufactured and configured desktop computer systems for the UK market. These systems were part of the company's broader assembled-PC business and included Intel-based configurations. Specific model names, specifications and production dates are not established in the supplied reference material.
Portable computers and tablets
CMS laptops and tablets
CMS's product scope included laptop and tablet computers, complementing its desktop and server systems. The available sources confirm these categories but do not provide enough detail to identify individual model families or launch dates.
Servers
CMS servers
Server manufacturing was part of CMS Computers' stated business scope. The company included servers in the product categories used when describing its UK manufacturing position, although detailed server models and specifications are not supplied by the available source.
Brand decisions
2011
Accept acquisition by VIP Computer CentreM&ABackground
CMS Computers was acquired by PC-components distributor VIP Computer Centre in November 2011. The business operated the Zoostorm and FizzBook brands and was reported to have annual sales above £30 million.
Action taken
CMS changed ownership while initially retaining an independent operating structure and continuing under its existing leadership.
Aftermath
The co-founders remained involved for a period after the transaction, but both left the company in 2017. The later status of the CMS brand is not established in the available material.
Recent events
- 2017
CMS Computers co-founders leave the company[1]
Leadership change
Co-founders Ian Fraser and Sion Roberts departed CMS Computers and later established a new PC-manufacturing company.
- 2011
VIP Computer Centre acquires CMS Computers[1]
M&A
PC-components distributor VIP Computer Centre acquired CMS Computers in November 2011 for an undisclosed amount. CMS was reported to have annual sales exceeding £30 million and operated the Zoostorm and FizzBook brands.
- 2009
CMS Computers reports strong position in the UK PC market[1]
Other
CMS cited Microsoft figures ranking it fifth among UK manufacturers of desktop computers, laptops and servers, and third among manufacturers of Intel-based systems.
Sources1 sources
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