CHICAGO – The number of transactions among electronics manufacturing services companies rose in the first quarter, a leading investment bank reported today. The largest deal involved the buyout of Sparton by a subsidiary of Cerberus, the private equity firm.

BROMONT, QUEBEC – C2MI and Varitron this week opened a $6.5 million advanced manufacturing center dedicated to electronic circuit board assembly and printed electronics.

LEEDS, UK – Ross-Shire Engineering has purchased a majority stake in electronics manufacturer Saftronics for an undisclosed sum.

WASHINGTON — The Semiconductor Industry Association today said it was "troubled" by the recent escalation of US-China trade and technology tensions.

SAN MATEO, CA – Worldwide semiconductor revenues will decline to $440 billion in 2019, down 7.2% from 2018, says International Data Corp. This follows three consecutive years of growth, with year-over-year growth of 13.2% in 2018.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SMTA released the Guide to BGA Assembly & Soldering Defects, a complimentary book written by a longtime inspection expert.

MINNEAPOLIS – Nortech Systems reported first quarter net sales of $28.2 million, up 6.8% year-over-year.

WASHINGTON, DC – A new report suggests America is at risk of losing its competitive edge as a global technology leader, as China and other countries aim to surge ahead.

LOUISVILLE, KY – Sypris Electronics reported first quarter revenue of $3.4 million, down 37% year-over-year.

WASHINGTON – The latest round of tariffs on imports on products made in China will raise the duty on printed circuit board and assemblies to 25%.

TAIPEI – Foxconn reported net profit of $637.3 million for the first quarter of 2019, down 17.7% year-over-year.

BALTIMORE, MD -- A private equity group led by a veteran of the EMS industry has acquired Zentech Manufacturing for an undisclosed amount.