SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

Odetics Inc., an Anaheim technology company, is having a difficult time persuading a small New York firm to accept its unsolicited buyout offer.

Last month, Odetics offered to purchase Ithaco Inc., a maker of attitude control devices for spacecraft, for $6 per share, or $1.8 million. But Ithaco’s board of directors has snubbed the offer.

On Monday, Odetics said it has extended until May 31 the offer to purchase all or part of Ithaco’s stock, which is held by a relatively small group of investors. The offer was originally set to expire Monday.

“We’ve talked to the company about getting together, and they said they didn’t want to do that,” said Jim Pipp, Odetics’ controller. “We have had some communication with them. I wouldn’t say we’re in any kind of dispute or fight with them.”

For the time being, at least, call it a standoff.