Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Bull Electronics Inc. did not end up going it alone: Celestica purchased the Lowell, Massachusetts operation in 2000. That was a separate transaction from Bull SA’s planned sale of its contract electronics manufacturing operation in Angers, France, to ACT Manufacturing. In June, Lowell general manager Anthony DeVito said the U.S. business could operate independently; by August, it had a different buyer.
Why Bull Electronics was seeking a buyer or partner
In June 2000, Bull SA was considering a sale of its French contract electronics manufacturing (CEM) operation in Angers to ACT Manufacturing. Bull Electronics Inc., the parent’s U.S. CEM business in Lowell, Massachusetts, was also seeking a buyer or partner—but it was not part of the Angers discussions, according to EE Times’ June 15, 2000 report.
Lowell general manager Anthony DeVito described the company’s situation this way: “We’ve been on a path to sell the business. We can exist on our own.” He also said, “We shared zero business with the French operation.” His comments expressed management’s view that Lowell could function independently; they did not mean it would remain independent.
Lowell and Angers were separate transactions
The facilities had different locations, business units, buyers, and reported transaction status. The August 2000 report said Celestica had purchased the Lowell company, while ACT had announced plans to purchase Bull Electronics Angers in France. It described the ACT transaction as a plan, not a completed sale.
#1 Best Overall
- MULTIPURPOSE: Indoor and outdoor safety officers, mentors, police, firefighters, cheerleaders, school sports, outdoor games and occasions. Event organizers and directors love this compact and versatile megaphone
- VOICE AMPLIFIER MODE: Amplifies sound projected into the microphone. This mini electronic bullhorn produces 20 watts of sound that can cover 1000 yards.
- BATTERY OPERATED AND PORTABLE: This compact megaphone speaker operates on (4) x ‘C’ batteries (not included), ensuring long-lasting performance. Its quick folding handle and light-weight chassis make it perfect for on-the-go use.
- ADJUSTABLE VOLUME CONTROL: The megaphone speaker comes equipped with an adjustable volume control, allowing you to modify the sound to your preference. The power-saving OFF switch helps preserve battery life.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Designed with an ergonomic pistol grip, this speaker is comfortable to hold. Its compact size and portability make it an excellent choice for self defense, to replace an air horn, or instead of a whistle for coaches.
| Facility | Business | Buyer named in 2000 reporting | Status in the reports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lowell, Massachusetts | Bull Electronics Inc., the U.S. operation | Celestica | EE Times reported Celestica’s purchase on August 2, 2000. |
| Angers, France | Bull Electronics Angers, the French CEM operation | ACT Manufacturing | EE Times reported in August 2000 that ACT had announced plans to acquire the operation for $56.6 million; the report does not establish that the deal closed. |
DeVito’s June comments concerned Lowell’s independence from the French operation, not a claim that ACT would buy the U.S. business. The subsequent report identifies Celestica—not ACT—as the buyer of Bull Electronics Inc. in Lowell. See EE Times’ August 2, 2000 report for the Lowell purchase and the separate Angers plan.
What the Lowell operation made and did
Bull Electronics was a business-to-business manufacturer serving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), rather than a consumer electronics brand with identified retail models. The 2000 reports describe work that included subassemblies, electromechanical and radio-frequency devices, telecom routers and switches, printed circuit board assembly, system assembly, testing, and supply-chain management.
Rank #2
- Cleans and protects electronics, blocks corrosion and rust
- Computers and other electronics, machines and toys
- For audio, video, computer & electronic cables, connectors
- For security systems, generators, switch and circuit breaker panels, exposed wiring, motors, tools
- For battery terminals, satellite dish connections, relays and sensors
That mix fits the broader services described in a November 28, 1998 EDN account: support before production, manufacturing, and work after products left the factory. Pre-manufacturing support included design assistance, process development, subassembly, and prototyping. Manufacturing included procurement, board assembly and testing, system assembly, and functional testing. Post-manufacturing services included fulfillment, logistics, repair or refurbishment, and recycling. EDN also reported that Bull had shifted away from high-volume PC work toward more complex board design and system assembly for communications, medical, and instrumentation markets. This describes the company’s historical business model, not a current service catalog.
What the 2000 reports said about Lowell’s size and finances
The two EE Times reports give different figures for the Lowell facility’s size, so they should be read as separate dated reports rather than combined into a single definitive measurement.
Rank #3
- 304 Stainless Steel construction throughout to ensure durability and longevity
- Full range temperature control from 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit with digital readout
- Outdoor rated for all seasons with ETL, doe, and CE (energy saver) certifications
- Front venting internal and external fans for both freestanding or built-in use
- Cutout dimension: 24 1/4"W x 33"h x 23 5/8"D
| Report and date | Lowell facility figures | Other financial figures |
|---|---|---|
| EE Times, June 15, 2000 | 100,000 square feet; 300 employees | Bull’s 1999 diversified-operations sales were reported as $4.3 billion. The article said 65% of Bull’s sales came from outside France and that the company did not break down financial information by division. |
| EE Times, August 2, 2000 | 130,000 square feet; more than 200 employees | The Lowell plant was reported to have a $40 million annual run rate. That is a reported run-rate figure, not a stated sale price or a verified measure of current revenue. |
The June and August staffing counts also differ: one report says 300 employees, while the later report says more than 200. The reports do not explain the differences in facility area or staffing. Treat all these figures as historical claims made in 2000, not present-day company data.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is—and is not—established about the outcome
The contemporaneous August report establishes that Celestica purchased Bull Electronics Inc. in Lowell, including its facility and more than 200 employees. It does not give a purchase price for the Lowell business. It separately reports a $56.6 million planned purchase of Bull Electronics Angers by ACT; it does not confirm that the Angers deal closed.
Rank #4
- Top Quality: 14 Gauge 304 Stainless Steel construction for long lasting durability
- High Heat to Cook Evenly and Thoroughly: 45,000 BTUs
- The Ultimate Outdoor Cooking Experience: 3 Stainless Steel burners 15,000 BTUs each
- Heavy Duty Construction: Single Piece Dual Lined Hood with Piezo Igniters/Zinc Knobs
- Large Cooking Surface: 556 Square inches of total cooking surface (396 on cooking grates/ 160 on warming rack)
The available reports do not establish the former Lowell facility’s present-day status or the current status of the Bull Electronics name. The 1998 EDN account also cited an approximately $400 million forecast for Bull Electronics worldwide revenue that year, attributed to Philippe Gorget; that was a forecast, not a verified final result.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Multifunctional Helmet Bluetooth Intercom Headset】Built-in Bluetooth 5.0, FIRE BULL motorcycle Bluetooth intercom allows you to make hands-free calls, enjoy the use of Bluetooth music streaming, listen to GPS voice guidance, convenient intercom and voice-activated digital assistant access, allowing you to enjoy the ride safely and happily.
- 【Hi-Fi Stereo and DSP Noise Control】Premium Hi-Fi stereo speakers for clear audio and sound quality for music and phone calls，Features advanced DSP noise cancellation technology to reduce background noise,Ensure you can still let the other party hear your voice clearly when driving at high speed.
- 【Easy Button Control with Gloves On】 Features large, tactile buttons for simple operation while riding. Easily play or pause music, skip tracks, switch between music and intercom, adjust volume, and answer or reject calls without distraction.
- 【IPX6 Waterproof and Playback Control】IPX6 waterproof design help you handle all weather conditions, you can use the motorcycle communication systems in rainy day. Easy button control to play/pause music, previous/next song, switch music to intercom, adjust volume, reject or answer calls.
- 【Longer Battery Life】Up to 18 hours music/talk time and 300 hours standby time on a single charge, only 2 hours to fully charge the headset, making sure you can use it continuously throughout the day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
