Milwaukee, Wis.— Rockwell International Corp. announced Dec. 8 that its board has approved a spinoff of its Rockwell Collins avionics and communications division (Cedar Rapids, Ia.) as a separate, publicly traded company. The tax-free spinoff to shareholders is expected to be completed in 2Q01—if the deal secures required approval from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The spinoff will give shareholders one share of the new Rockwell Collins for each Rockwell International share they presently own. The spinoff of the $3.1-billion Collins division is expected to help remaining $4.5-billion Rockwell focus on its automation and control businesses. However, some observers add it may also make the company more attractive as a potential acquisition target.