Lenovo is one of the great success stories of the modern Chinese economy. Once mainly known as China’s personal computer (PC) market leader, it became a household name worldwide with its purchase of IBM’s PC division.
division：部門
The company, originally called Legend, began like many other technology companies — as a small start-up. In 1984, 11 computer scientists started the firm in a small building in Beijing. Their research and know-how were important tools as they built low-cost computers for the domestic market.
start-up：操業開始(の企業)
domestic market：国内市場
By the mid-1990s, Legend had grown into the top — selling PC maker in China’s home and office markets. The following decade, the company changed its name to Lenovo. Along with the name change came a big move that really raised eyebrows.
raise (one’s) eyebrows/an eyebrow：(驚き・軽蔑・非難などで)眉を上げる
(ref.) knit one’s eyebrows：(困惑・不機嫌を表して)眉を寄せる
(ref.) One’s eyebrows knit.：眉をひそめる
In 2005, Lenovo completed the acquisition of IBM’s PC division, including its desktop and notebook lines. This was huge news. After all, IBM had been largely responsible for the birth of the home PC market 20 years earlier. It had invented the laptop computer, and its ThinkPad line was one of the world’s top brands. Lenovo had boldly announced to the world that it was a serious force in the PC industry.
acquisition：買収
line：製品ライン
largely：大いに
laptop computer：ノートパソコン
boldly：大胆に
Lenovo quickly made changes to the ThinkPad line. For instance, it started selling ThinkPads (which had always been black) in titanium. It also sold versions of the notebooks with wider screens. These changes were met with some resistance, yet Lenovo was determined to make the line its own as it left IBM’s shadow.
in titanium：チタン製の
resistance：抵抗
be determined to X：Xするいことを決心している
Taking its place as an industry leader, the company has been praised for its support in the fight against piracy. In April 2006, Lenovo signed a $1.2 billion deal with Microsoft, agreeing to install Windows operating systems on its new computers. The company has also helped build its brand by sponsoring the Olympics.
be praised for X：Xであることを称賛される
piracy：著作権侵害
sponsor：スポンサーを務める
After the IBM deal, Lenovo took its place as the world’s third-largest PC seller. Along with computers, Lenovo develops cell phones, computer equipment, and other electronic products. With over 20 years in the business, $13 billion in revenues, and 20,000 employees, it is a powerhouse that we will surely be hearing from for many years to come.
deal：取引
equipment：備品
for many years to come：これから長きに渡って