VENTURE CAPITAL POST

Independent non-profit economic development organization Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP) invested $2 million in 11 early-stage companies from the technology and life science sectors.

Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell on Thursday announced that it has renewed an option to buy land in Monaca,Pennsylvania owned by metal-processing company Horsehead Holding Corp. Shell has a $2 billion ethylene plant building proposal for the said site.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) granted $13 million to five solar companies to help strengthen local solar manufacturing and increase competitiveness in the clean energy market.

MBC Properties, the real estate arm of Miller Brothers Co, has bought the Bradford Mall in Pennsylvania and is planning to renovate the place and bring in new tenants.

iPhone maker Foxconn Technology Group said it plans to invest USD40 million in Pennsylvania for the development of robotics and a high-tech manufacturing facility for telecom and internet equipment.

Pennsylvania-based ESSA Bancorp Inc signed a definitive agreement to acquire Franklin Security Bancorp in an all-cash transaction that is expected to be finalized by the second quarter of 2014.

Amphenol Corporation entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Advanced Sensors business of GE for USD318 million, which will be subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals.