SD-Scicon Plc, the new software and systems firm created with acquisition by Systems Designers Plc of British Petroleum Plc’s Scicon International Ltd, will restructure its US operations which account for about 23% of its combined turnover of UKP252m. It will close Scicon’s Washington DC office which currently employs 10 staff. The office mainly handled strategic planning while research and deve-lopment was conducted from Scicon’s London,UK office. SD-Scicon said the office was being closed this year to reduce overheads. The company will also sell off its two Palo Alto, California-based companies. These are Systems Control Inc, which has a vehicle inspection division, and a civil software operation employing 200 staff and specialising in work for state electrical utilities; and Systems Control Technology Inc, a defence operation, which will be transferred to US owners. SD-Scicon’s energy interests account for 13% of turnover and vehicle inspection make up another 8%. Details of the agreement – page 3.