MURRAY HILL, NJ -- The on-again, off-again merger talks between Lucent Technologies and Alcatel are on again. The two telecom companies disclosed last night that discussions are underway, but said there would be no further comment until a deal is complete or talks are called off.

Read more ...

TAMPA -- Electronics manufacturing services company Reptron Electronics today reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $4,000, down from $1.1 million last year, on sales of $36.6 million, up 1.5% from a year ago and 12.3% sequentially.

For the year ended Dec. 31, sales fell 2.2% to $138.5 million. The results include 11 months of results following the company's reorganization and one month pre-reorganization.

Read more ...

JACKSON, MI -- Electronics manufacturing services provider Sparton Corp. has signed a letter of intent to acquire Astro Instrumentation, a maker of medical test equipment. Strongsville, OH-based Astro is privately owned and had 2005 sales of $33.6 million. The deal is expected to close by June 30 and is subject to due diligence. No financial terms were announced.

Astro designs and manufactures a variety of specialized medical products, including laboratory test equipment. The company operates a 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Ohio.

Sparton will run the business as a wholly-owned subsidiary at its present location and retain current management and staff. The acquisition is subject to the completion of a due diligence review and execution of a definitive purchase agreement.