Pen Interconnect, Performplace Will Merge

Pen Interconnect Inc., an Irvine provider of manufacturing services, said Monday it agreed to merge with Performplace, a provider of management services for the entertainment industry. Pen shareholders must approve the deal, but the two companies, anticipating a positive vote, will begin to combine their resources and personnel, Pen said.

Stephen Fryer, Pen Interconnect president and chief executive, will become chairman of the merged businesses. T.A. Mercurio, president and chief executive of Performplace, becomes chief executive. Performplace is based in Santa Monica and New York City.