Nicoa Corp. Buys Anchor Automation of Van Nuys

Anchor Automation, a privately held Van Nuys firm that makes computer communications equipment, was acquired by Nicoa Corp., a Los Angeles computer services and film production firm. No price was disclosed.

Six-year-old Anchor makes low-cost modems, devices that let computers communicate over the phone, as well as other data communication products. It has 50 employees.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, Anchor earned $400,000 on sales of $7.5 million. Nicoa said Anchor should have substantially higher earnings over the next three years based on new business, an increased sales force and expanded distribution.

Anchor President George Eisler, the firm’s majority shareholder, will stay on under a long-term contract, Nicoa said.