Banbury-based contract electronics manufacturer Westminster Technologies, formerly a member of the Westminster Group plc, has been sold to Copernica, a larger CEM, to enable the Group to concentrate on its highly successful international security services. The staff, stock and production equipment have moved to Copernica's plant, which is also in Banbury

Peter Fowler, chairman and chief executive of the Westminster Group, said: "Our security work is expanding exponentially and we couldn't devote enough time to Westminster Technologies. Selling the company to Copernica will help us focus our efforts on our key business."

Managing director of Copernica, Mark Wilkinson, commented: "Adding the skills of Westminster to our existing capabilities will strengthen our resources and increase our customer base. It makes sense for both companies."

Copernica designs and manufactures thick-film hybrid circuits, assembles pcbs, produces high-voltage resistors and dividers and acts as a distributor for specialised electronic components and devices. The company also offers high-volume offshore manufacturing facilities.