• Vacon and Rockwell Automation have formalised their previous partnership by signing a co-operative design, development and supply agreement covering high-power and high-performance drives. Under the agreement (which builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding), Vacon`s expertise in high-power electronics and software-controlled frequency converters will be combined with Rockwell`s expertise in high-performance drives and automation.

• The motion control supplier GSI Lumonics is buying the US precision encoder manufacturer MicroE Systems, for $55m in cash. MicroE`s sales for the first quarter of 2004 were an estimated $7.65m.

• The Hong Kong based motor giant, Johnson Electric, is buying the remaining 51% of Nihon Mini Motor for $14.2m. Last year it bought 49% of Nihon Mini Motor, which specialises in motors for digital cameras, from Mitsubishi.

• The Eaton Corporation has agreed to buy Invensys` power systems business, Powerware, for $560m. Powerware manufactures uninterruptible power supplies and DC power products, and offers power quality services. It generated revenues of $775m in the year to March.

• Mitsubishi Electric is publishing a new pan-European magazine called Control Matters that "is not afraid of being controversial" and covers areas such as politics, economics, travel, health and business practice, as well as technology. The magazine is free to anyone working in the control sector. To request a copy, send an email with your name and address to automation@meuk.mee.com