Business Notes

Houston — Compaq Computer said it expects to meet or beat analyst estimates for first quarter financials despite ongoing tough market conditions. The company predicted first quarter revenue of $7.7 billion, which is slightly ahead of the analysts' $7.6 billion. Compaq said it also expects to meet or beat analyst expectations for earnings.

Arlington, Va. — Some 40 manufacturers, including Samsung and Fuji, will exhibit at the first annual CeBIT CES Consumer Electronics Fair, to be held May 29 to June 1 at the New International Expo Center in Shanghai, China. The inaugural event is being produced by CeBIT Hannover and International CES producer CEA, to help bring consumer electronics products and services to China. Attendance for the show is expected to reach 40,000. CeBIT CES will be limited to one hall for the first year. A pavilion will be hosted by CEA showcasing some of the most technologically advanced companies from the United States. For more show information, visit the CeBIT CES website at www.CeBITCES.com.

New York — Rayovac plans to announce its new Maximum Plus alkaline batteries to consumers early in June, said David A. Jones, chairman/CEO of the Madison, Wis.-based battery maker. The roll-out will include $1 off coupons on AA four-packs; high-impact sidekick, floor stand and rolling pallet displays at retail; and a television, print and Internet media campaign this fall. The batteries also will be featured in new TV commercials that build on the success of "The Gobblers." According to Jones, U.S. alkaline fourth quarter battery growth was up 9.4 percent in units and 2.2 percent in dollars.

Chicago— Zenith Electronics has completed the sale of its 930,000-square-foot former color picture tube plant in Melrose Park, Ill. Terms were not disclosed. Future demolition of the plant — called Rauland Tube, and once one of the largest manufacturing operations in the Zenith portfolio — will make way for a 450,000-square-foot state-of-the-art warehouse/distribution building.

Torrance, Calif. — Alpine Electronics has licensed the in-band on-channel (IBOC) AM and FM digital broadcasting technology of Columbia, Md.-based iBiquity to integrate into aftermarket receivers. Japan-based Alpine will demonstrate IBOC-capable aftermarket products at the 2003 International Consumer Electronics Show, prior to the product's launch later that year. In the future, Alpine, a supplier of high-end aftermarket mobile electronics products, will integrate IBOC technology into receivers for automotive manufacturers.