United Tech interested in deals, pricing tricky

BOSTON (Reuters) - United Technologies Corp (UTX.N) is interested in making acquisitions, particularly of makers of fire and security equipment, but is having a hard time coming to terms with potential sellers on price, the diversified U.S. manufacturer's top executive said on Wednesday.

"We've got a nice pipeline of M&A still, but I would say there's a substantial disconnect between sellers' expectations and me as a buyer," Louis Chenevert told an investor meeting in New York. "We are going to be disciplined."

The Hartford, Connecticut-based company is interested in continuing to build out its fire and security operation -- following its purchase earlier this year of General Electric Co's (GE.N) security business for $1.8 billion, which marked its first big takeover since Chenevert became chairman in January.

The company, which makes Pratt & Whitney jet engines and Sikorsky helicopters, is also interested in deals in the aerospace sector, though price expectations have proven a barrier, Chenevert said.

The past month has been a busy time for corporate America. Just this week fellow blue-chip industrial 3M Co (MMM.N) announced $1 billion in planned takeovers.

(Reporting by Scott Malone, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)