Around the State
With hopes of emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Levitz Furniture (OTC-LVFIQ) will close 13 under-performing stores in four states. With 90 remaining stores in 21 states, Levitz ranks as the nation's second-largest furniture retailer.
Sensormatic Electronics (NYSE-SRM) plans to expand its engineering and information systems operations at its corporate headquarters. At least 107 jobs will be created.
HOLLYWOOD -- Heico Corp. (AMEX-HEI), a supplier to the aviation and defense industries, purchased French aviation company Teleflex-Lionel-Dupont for $116 million in stock and debt. Heico also announced the cash acquisition of Atlanta-based McClain International for $41 million.
LAKE WORTH -- ComScape Telecommunications is relocating its headquarters here from Ohio and bringing 100 jobs. The company provides local and long distance service, wireless communications systems and other telecommunications services.
MIAMI -- Syracuse, N.Y.-based Carrols Corp., Burger King's largest U.S. franchisee, will acquire Pollo Tropical (Nasdaq-POYO) in a deal worth roughly $90 million. Pollo Tropical owns and operates 36 fast-food chicken outlets and franchises 19.
Spec's Music (Nasdaq-SPEK) will be acquired by Ohio-based Camelot Music Holdings in a deal worth $28 million. Camelot will purchase all outstanding shares of common stock for $3.30 each. Spec's Music, founded 1948, operates 38 music retail stores in Florida and four in Puerto Rico.
MIAMI LAKES-- Med/Waste (Nasdaq-MWDS) acquired three privately held medical waste companies that in total generate annual revenues of about $3 million: Biotech Disposal, Fort Lauderdale; Target Medical Waste Services, Mobile, Ala.; and Med-Waste, Decatur, Ala.
WEST PALM BEACH -- Republic Security Financial Corp. (Nasdaq-RSFC) will acquire First Palm Beach Bancorp (Nasdaq-FFPB), the $1.8 billion asset holding company for First Bank of Florida, with 51 branches in south Florida.