Ciba-Geigy Says It Will Keep Share in 3-D Systems

Ciba-Geigy reversed earlier plans and said it will retain its 37% ownership of 3-D Systems, the Canadian parent company of 3D Systems Inc. in Valencia.

Ciba-Geigy, a Swiss conglomerate, announced in December that it planned to sell its 3-D holdings and Spectra-Physics, a San Jose company that is the biggest U.S. laser producer. 3-D Systems makes a machine that uses lasers, chemicals and a computer to rapidly make models of parts, consumer packages and other products for manufacturers.

Ciba-Geigy said it still plans to sell Spectra-Physics, but “does not presently intend” to sell its 3-D stock. Ciba-Geigy did not elaborate on its change of mind, and spokesman Tom Chizmadia at Ciba-Geigy’s U.S. headquarters in Ardsley, N.Y., declined further comment.