Boeing Co. said Monday it would sell its Torrance, Calif.-based Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices Inc., a supplier of space and defense products, to L-3 Communications, which is looking to build its presence in U.S. and foreign space programs.

L-3, a New York-based provider of intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance systems, said the purchase would enhance its production of components for defense and commercial satellites.

No financial details were provided for the acquisition, which was expected to close in the first quarter of 2005.

Chicago-based Boeing will retain the power electronics group of Electron Dynamic Devices as part of Boeing Satellite Systems.

Boeing employs about 13,000 workers in Wichita, making the company Kansas’ largest private employer.