million, or $9.25 a share, to expand its electronic security services business into the southeastern US.

Alert provides electronic security and monitoring services to about 131,000 residential customers in the Southeast, while ADT has extensive operations in the United Kingdom. ADT's North American business is based in Boca Raton, Florida.

In addition, ADT yesterday posted third-quarter profit from operations of $27.4 million, or 21 cents a share, up from net income of $23 million, or 18 cents, a year ago.