IN FOCUS

To further strengthen its position in the market for dosing pumps, the Danish pump Group Grundfos has purchased the well-established and recognised German dosing pump group Alldos as of 1 January 2005.

Crane Co. announced that it has sold the U.K.-based business and intellectual property of Victaulic, which it owns through its U.K. subsidiary Crane Limited, for £8 million ($15.4 million U.S.) in an all cash transaction, to Euro-Victaulic B.V.B.A., a subsidiary of Victaulic Company of America (“VCOA”).

National-Oilwell, Inc. and Varco International, Inc. jointly announced yesterday that they expect to substantially comply with the second request issued by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice by year end.

Roper Industries, Inc. announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of TransCore Holdings, Inc. TransCore is a provider of technologies and related services in areas such as radio frequency identification (RFID), …

Parker Hannifin announced it has acquired Advanced Products Company, a privately held manufacturer of metallic and polymer spring energized seals, in a cash for stock transaction. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced it has signed an agreement to purchase the businesses of Winner Group Holdings Ltd., a China-based company that produces hydraulic hose fittings and adapters for the greater Chinese market.

Cardo has exercised the warrant that was received as part of the selling price on disposal of the Rail business area in September 2002. At the same time, Cardo has decided to sell the shares received to the new principal owner of the operation.

United Technologies’ Hamilton Sundstrand announced it has agreed to acquire Haskel International Inc., a manufacturer of pneumatically driven, high-pressure pumps and valves for industrial businesses. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.

Flowserve Corp. today announced that it has sold its Government Marine Business Unit, located in Phillipsburg, N.J., to Curtiss-Wright Corp.for approximately $28 million in cash. Proceeds from the sale will be used to repay debt.

Timothy C. Brown, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Industries Inc., has announced the signing of a letter of intent to buy the side channel blower business of Ruey Chaang Electric Co. Ltd. of Taipei, Taiwan.