Manufacturers' Services (MSL), the Athlone-based computer design company, has acquired US company Electronic System Packaging (ESP) for an undisclosed sum. Massachusetts-based ESP is a leading provider of printed circuit board design services.

MSL has also signed a letter of intent to acquire Ronlin Design, another Massachusetts company, which will triple MSL's design resources in the US. Industry sources suggest the current flurry of acquisition activity within MSL indicates it may be planning a US stock market listing.