P.M. BRIEFING : Emerson Buys French Motor Co.

ST. LOUIS — Emerson Electric Co., strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading electric motor makers, today announced the purchase of Leroy-Somer SA, a French maker of electric motors, for $460 million.

The Leroy-Somer acquisition, subject to approval by U.S. and French regulatory authorities, gives Emerson a chance to increase its presence in the European Economic Community before 1992, when the 12-nation bloc becomes a single unified market.

Emerson already has some electric motor divisions in West Germany, as well as Mexico.

Leroy-Somer makes integral and fractional horsepower electric motors and drives for industrial markets, with manufacturing facilities primarily in France.

Emerson said when the deal is finalized, it will sell Leroy-Somer’s King Bearing unit, based in the United States.