Pump Maker Exploring Merger Options

Haskel International Inc., a leading maker of high-pressure pumps, said it may sell the company, seek a merger partner or make other acquisitions. The Burbank-based company has struggled to increase sales and earnings as orders from Asia have slowed. Haskel said it hired investment banker Schroder & Co. to help examine its options. R. Malcolm Greaves, president and chief executive, said in a statement that the company has not received any buyout offers. Net income in the fiscal first quarter that ended Aug. 29 fell 18% to $919,000, or 19 cents a share, from $1.12 million, or 23 cents, in the year-ago period. Revenue fell to $12.1 million from $12.5 million. Its shares jumped $1.13 to close at $11 on Nasdaq.