• Megadyne, the Italian manufacturer of polyurethane transmission belts, has bought the European transmission belt business of the US corporation, Carlisle. The business, which had sales worth $34.9m last year, was part of Dayco Power Transmission, which Carlisle bought in August 2001. Carlisle says the sale of the "breakeven" operation is in line with its strategy of focusing on businesses that have, or can achieve, competitive advantages and leadership in their markets

• Honeywell is buying the privately-owned sensor specialist Sensotec, which supplies sensors for measuring force, acceleration, load, pressure and displacement, as well as wireless systems, instrumentation and digital gauges. Ohio-based Sensotec wil become part of Honeywell`s Sensing and Control division

• Rockwell Automation has bought Interwave Technology, a US-based consulting integrator. Rockwell says the business will help customers trying to manage the flow of information throughout their enterprises

• Baldor has boosted its presence in the generator market by buying Wisconsin-based Energy Dynamics (EDI), which supplies industrial generators. Baldor entered the generator market in October 2000 when it bought Pow`r Gard, which focuses on generators from 1.3-200kW. EDI`s main strength is in the 200-2,000kW range

• The California-based integrated motion control specialist Animatics has formed a $20m automation alliance with the motion control manufacturer and distributor, Minarik Corporation. The deal includes the development, production and marketing of products based on Animatics` patented technology. Prototype products are already being tested and are expected to be launched within 6-9 months.