ORLANDO-The five-year-old former Lucent Technologies subsidiary is laying off 263 technicians after orders plummet from the telecommunications industry for its microchips. The chips are used in switching equipment that services high-rise office towers and corporate headquarters.

ATLANTA-Locally based Southwire Co., a supplier to major commercial real estate projects, has sold its Hawesville, KY facility to Century Aluminum Co. of Monterey, CA for $450 million.

WHITE PLAINS-An affiliate of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. has acquired the remaining 50% interest in the Sheraton Centre Toronto for approximately $48 million.

FLAGSTAFF, AZ-A proposed $500-million development on the south rim of the Grand Canyon has been dealt a potentially final blow by a US judge.