IN FOCUS

The Weir Group PLC has entered into agreements to dispose of the desalination and water treatment businesses of its Techna Division to Veolia Water Systems, part of Veolia Water, the water division of Veolia Environnement.

ABB reported higher orders, revenues, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) and net income in the second quarter of 2005 compared to the same quarter in 2004, resulting from continued growth in most markets and further progress in lifting operational efficiency.

Baker Hughes Incorporated today announced that net income for the second quarter of 2005 was $218.8 million or $0.64 per diluted share, up 87% compared to $116.9 million or $0.35 per diluted share for the second quarter of 2004 and up 22% compared to $179.8 million or $0.53 per diluted share for the first quarter of 2005.

Flowserve Corp. announced that its board of directors has selected Lewis M. Kling as president, chief executive officer, and a member of the board of directors, effective Aug. 1, 2005.

China is the power station market with the strongest growth in the world. The pump and valve manufacturer KSB is currently benefiting from the rising economic power’s hunger for energy. In the first half of 2005, the company received orders for equipping new plants in the amount of € 60 million.

Crane Co., a diversified manufacturer of engineered industrial products, reports second quarter 2005 net income increased to $35.7 million, or $.59 per share, compared with net income of $31.2 million, or $.52 per share in the second quarter of 2004.

ITT Industries, Inc. announced the appointment of John P. Williamson to the newly created position of Vice President, Director of Operational Excellence.

Roper Industries, Inc. reported record results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2005. Diluted earnings per share (DEPS) were $0.82 in the quarter. Cash flow from operating activities grew 56% over the prior year to $63 million, which represents 176% of net earnings.

Flowserve Corp. reported increased bookings, stable backlog and a debt repayment in the second quarter of 2005, and provided other updates.

The four models in the CompactTurbo™ series are the right vacuum pumps for employment in coating, the semiconductor industry, research and development, as well as numerous industrial applications.