HEALTH CARE

Beckman Instruments to Cut Work Force: The Fullerton-based maker of medical laboratory equipment said it is eliminating 750 jobs worldwide--or 11% of its total employment--and merging its two divisions to cut costs. The steps, made in response to slowing sales because of the European recession, could affect as many as 200 Orange County workers by March, the company said. Separately, Beckman said its third-quarter profit edged up to $11.5 million from $11.4 million a year earlier, despite a drop in revenue to $215.6 million from $220.5 million.