Bisco Raises Stake in Data I/O Corp.

Bisco Industries Inc. increased its holdings in Data I/O Corp. to 13.47% from 12.38% and may seek control of the Washington-based maker of computer chip testing equipment.

Orange-based Bisco, which provides fasteners and parts to Data I/O as well as other electronic equipment makers, said in an August regulatory filing that it might try to acquire a controlling stake in or all of Data I/O. Bisco, which is privately held, also said that it might seek board seats and try to discuss various possible transactions with Data I/O or other parties.

Bisco repeated its previous statement Wednesday in an amended report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The latest filing also said that Bisco and its employee stock plan now hold 968,425 common shares of Data I/O, up from 889,825 shares reported Dec. 17. Bisco, headed by President Glen F. Ceiley, most recently bought Data I/O shares for $1.69 to $1.78 each between Dec. 17 and Monday, according to the SEC filing. Data I/O had 1997 sales of $46.3 million. On Wednesday, the company’s shares rose 16 cents to $1.91.