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Samsung stops selling laptops and Chromebooks in Europe

Samsung Atic Book 9 Plus

Samsung has stopped sales of all laptops and Chromebooks in Europe, blaming "market needs and demands" for its shock decision

Samsung has stopped selling laptops in Europe in a move that has sent shockwaves through the technology industry. The company said it had to “adapt quickly to market needs” and was discontinuing sales of all its laptops and Chromebooks with immediate effect.

It is likely that Samsung will sell remaining stock, with retailers still listing its laptops and Chromebooks for sale. Samsung said the decision was “region specific” and didn’t have any impact on its plans in other markets.

The news was first reported by technology website PC Advisor after a reader contacted them to complain about problems buying a Samsing laptop.

The move follows a similar decision by rival Sony to sell off its struggling Vaio business earlier this year. Laptop sales have struggle as tablet sales continue to rise, with Samsung one of the biggest tablet manufacturers.

Samsung’s shock decision to abandon laptops in Europe may not be permanent with the company saying it will “evaluate market conditions”. News of the decision was first heard by Samsung PR representatives today and it isn’t yet clear if there is a specific date at which Samsung will cease all laptop sales in Europe.

“We quickly adapt to market needs and demands. In Europe, we will be discontinuing sales of laptops including Chromebooks for now,” a Samsung spokesperson confirmed.

“This is specific to the region and is not necessarily reflective of conditions in other markets. We will continue to thoroughly evaluate market conditions and will make further adjustments to maintain our competitiveness in emerging PC categories.”

Samsung last updated its laptop line with the Ativ 8, 9 Lite and 9 Plus in late 2013, with the company also releasing a new Chromebooks earlier this year. The failure of Google’s Chromebook line has further confounded mediocre laptop sales as smartphones and tablets continue to dominate.

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