SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY : AST Research Sells Camintonn Unit to Management for Undisclosed Sum

AST Research Inc. has sold its Camintonn division, which makes computer enhancements for use on Digital Equipment Corp. products, to Camintonn management for an undisclosed sum.

AST, an Irvine computer maker, had previously disclosed plans to sell the operation as part of a strategy to focus on its principal business: selling personal computers and related products compatible with International Business Machines systems.

As a result of expenses from the sale, AST recorded a pretax charge to earnings of $3 million for the quarter ended Dec. 30.

Camintonn, based in Irvine, manufactures add-on computer boards and laser printers for Digital Equipment computers. It employs 21 people.

Bosco K. Sun, formerly general manager of AST’s Camintonn division, will serve as president and chief executive of the newly independent company.

“We are pleased that Camintonn will continue to serve the DEC marketplace,� said Bruce Edwards, AST’s chief financial officer. “The sale to a group of AST employees is important in maintaining the continuity of Camintonn’s service to its customers.�