Business Notes

Staff On Jun 7 2004 - 6:00am

Imation Launches Online Store For Data Storage Media

Oakdale, Minn.— Blank media supplier Imation has launched a new online store called http://store.imation.com. It offers select consumer products for data storage, including blank CD and DVD media, USB flash drives, diskettes, jewel cases and other storage accessories. Hard-to-find discontinued products are also available. While overall store price points are in line with manufacturer suggested retails, the site also provides access to educational materials and informational tools to help consumers learn about removable data storage media products.

Circuit City Completes InterTan Acquisition

Richmond, Va.— Circuit City Stores has completed the acquisition of InterTan and closed the tender offer for all outstanding shares of the company, which had operated through retail stores and dealer outlets in Canada under the trade names RadioShack, Rogers Plus and Battery Plus. About 96 percent of InterTan's outstanding shares were tendered. All publicly held shares of InterTan common stock have been converted into the right to receive $14 in cash, the same amount paid for shares in the tender offer. InterTan is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Circuit City, and its shares no longer will be traded.

Jabra Set To Relocate U.S. Operations

San Diego — Hands-free mobile headset maker Jabra said it will "consolidate, relocate and expand" its U.S. operations from here to Chicago. The change was due to continued growth and need for capacity and more efficient operations to meet customer needs. Jabra will continue marketing functions here, while all others go to the new office. The move is scheduled for August.

EchoStar's Gemstar-TV Guide Buy Opens Doors

Englewood, Colo.— EchoStar has completed its previously announced purchase of Superstar/Netlink Group, UVTV distribution and related assets from Gemstar-TV Guide. With completion of the sale, the previously announced patent licensing, program carriage and litigation settlement agreements between Gemstar and EchoStar become effective, and all outstanding litigation between the two has been dropped. EchoStar's control of the Superstar/Netlink Group gives the satellite TV company access to C-band customers, hoping to switch them to EchoStar's Dish Network DBS service.

Rayovac Completes Buy of Brazilian Battery Maker

Madison, Wis.— Rayovac has completed the acquisition of Microlite S.A., a Brazilian battery maker based in Sao Paulo, which owns the Rayovac brand name in that South American country. As a result of the transaction, Rayovac now has worldwide rights to the Microlite brand. The deal is projected to have minimal impact on Rayovac earnings in the company's 2004 fiscal year.