INTERNATIONAL computer group, Bull has taken a 51 per, cent stake in the former Aer Lingus subsidiary Cara Computers for an undisclosed sum.

Cara, which employs 250 people, will continue to operate as a separate company within the Bull group, chief executive, Mr Paddy McNamara said yesterday.

Refusing to comment on the size of its investment, Bull executive, Mr Gerry Kennedy, said it had paid a "fair price" based on its performance. Cara, which has offices in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, London and Frankfurt reported sales of £28 million in 1994.

Bull purchased 35 per cent of its shares from NatWest Venture Capital, which backed a management buy out of Cara in 1993. The rest of the shares were purchased from Cara staff and management, its said. Under the deal, it is understood that shareholders will receive an initial cash payment to be followed by further monies based on the company's performance over the next couple of years.