Raytheon acquisition to bolster defense growth

* Deal seen aiding Raytheon growth opportunities
* Acquisition to aid results in 2010
ATLANTA, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Defense contractor Raytheon Co (RTN.N) said on Tuesday it planned to buy BBN Technologies, which makes a device that alerts troops of incoming sniper fire and provides other mission-critical intelligence products.
The terms were not disclosed. BBN, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, employs 700 workers.
Morgan Joseph analyst Michael French said the purchase would compliment Raytheon business lines such as cyber security and secure communications, areas that are of rising importance as the Defense Department scales back some traditional weapons programs and directs more resources to fighting emerging security threats and bolstering aid for U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan.
BBN's product offerings include Boomerang, a system installed on military vehicles currently used by U.S. forces that detects incoming small arms fire.
"We believe the addition could help increase the company's business in areas with significant growth opportunities," French said in a research note.
Raytheon, maker of the Patriot missile defense system and other military electronics, said the acquisition would close in the fourth quarter. The purchase is expected to add to earnings in 2010.
Raytheon shares were off 53 cents, or 1.1 percent, at $46.65 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Karen Jacobs; editing by Andre Grenon)