Philips Electronics NV’s Philips Semiconductors BV is negotiating the sale of its Philips Leadframes unit to Alpha Precision Co of Thailand. Lead refers to the connections off an integrated circuit – the leadframe is what the chip is wired into prior to encapsulation. Philips says it does not consider the production of leadframes as one of its main activities. Its Philips Leadframes unit in Sittard, Netherlands, employs about 170 people. Alpha Precision Co is part of Bangkok-based Alphatec Electronics Public Co, which has been an important partner of Philips Semiconductors in the assembling and the testing of integrated circuits in Thailand.