WASHINGTON, DC -- The AeA and the Electronics Components Association (ECA) are considering a merger, the two groups said.

In a statement, AeA chairman Peter Boni said there is a growing need "for a trade association that has the size, scale and flexibility to support and promote its members and the industry as a whole."

Ironically, ECA was spun out in mid 2006 when the Electronics Industries Alliance diviied up its assets among its member organizations. Moreover, in September the AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association) and the Information Technology Association of America, another former EIA partner, announced discussions to merge their respective memberships and programs. 
 
AeA has 2,400 corporate members and focuses on lobbying at the state, federal and international levels. Its 2006 revenues, the last year for which records are available, were $19.4 million.

ECA has more than 92 members and reported a small loss on revenues of $1.9 million in 2006.

ITAA has 360 members and concentrates on business development, public policy advocacy, market forecasting and standards development. Its 2006 revenues were $5.9 million. Combined, the groups spent $2.25 million to lobby the federal government in 2007, according to required filings, and have been increasing their contributions this year.