Danaher Motion has bid successfully for the assets of the US-based mechanical and controls business, the IDC Corporation. The assets were auctioned following the bankruptcy of IDC`s former parent, Automation Solutions LLC.

IDC will become part of the Danaher Motion portfolio which already includes such well-known names as Kollmorgen, Pacific Scientific, Superior Electric, API Motion and Portescap.

IDC, formed in 1975, specialises in automated positioning products for applications requiring control of linear position, thrust, and speed. It pioneered the use of electric cylinders as a clean, precise, controllable and cost-effective alternative to hydraulic and pneumatic positioning technologies. Its sales in the 2001 financial year amounted to $12.2m.

"IDC is a great addition to the Danaher Motion family," says Danaher group executive Tom Gross,. "With an excellent brand name in linear actuation and a team of people that has earned a reputation for quality and responsive service, IDC provides a building block for Danaher Motion`s linear solutions."

IDC`s linear technologies will run alongside Danaher`s existing linear offerings from BS&A, the former Warner Electric linear businesses, and Kollmorgen linear motors. "IDC`s precision table business is a natural fit with Danaher Precision Systems` NEAT brand," Gross adds.

• Danaher has abandoned its plans to buy Cooper Industries because of the difficult business environment and sensitivities concerning asbestos liability. Danaher announced its desire to buy Cooper last August..