SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- The worldwide market for consumer electronics products continues to be strong and will continue to expand through 2011, reports research firm In-Stat. Shipments of PCs and peripherals, traditional consumer electronics products and communications products will grow from 2.7 billion units in 2007 to 3.1 billion units in 2011, the firm says.

“Traditional consumer electronics devices continue to be led by the conversion from analog to digital television,” said Brian O’Rourke, In-Stat analyst. “PCs will maintain their strong growth pattern with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7% through 2011, with growth being driven by increased sales in Africa, the Middle East, South America, and Asia/Pacific regions.”

In-Stat found: 

• India and China are driving the mobile phone handset segment, as low-cost handsets have been developed to meet the market requirements in less developed countries.
• Asia/Pacific and Rest-of-World (including Africa, the Middle East and South America) regions will lead in overall annual growth rates.
• PCs shipments will be driven by a continued transition from desktop to mobile units.

GLENVIEW, IL-- Illinois Tool Works made it official today, announcing the acquisition of VS Acquisition Holding Inc., the parent company of Vitronics Soltec. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

VS Acquisition Holding Inc. will be a wholly owned business unit of ITW and part of the company's existing power systems and electronics businesses, ITW said in a press release, and will operate as a separate business under the Vitronics Soltec name.