Spotlight: U.S. Filter, Unit Instruments to Join Forces

U.S. Filter Corp., the world’s largest water-treatment company, agreed to buy Unit Instruments Inc., which makes parts for semiconductor-manufacturing equipment, for $50.5 million. Palm Desert-based U.S. Filter will pay $12.62 in stock for each share of Yorba Linda-based Unit, a 40% premium over its Nasdaq close of $9. Unit had about 4 million shares outstanding as of March 31. U.S. Filter said the acquisition will allow it to offer more complete semiconductor production systems.