Baltimore tech company acquired by St. Louis firm

Baltimore-based Performance Technology Group has been acquired by World Wide Technology Inc. as the St. Louis company hopes to benefit from PTG's business in the Mid-Atlantic region. PTG provides systems engineering and managed services for security companies and state and federal government agencies. The merger will create a company with more than 1,200 employees and nearly $3 billion in revenue. WWT does not expect any layoffs in the merger and will continue to operate PTG's 30,000-square-foot facility in Baltimore. Finacial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

- Andrea K. Walker

Constellation foundation to give grants for eco projects

The Constellation Energy Foundation will offer "EcoStar" grants to nonprofits to start environmental stewardship projects, the company has announced. Nonprofits could receive as much as $5,000 to fund projects in one of five categories: pollution prevention, education and outreach, energy efficiency, conservation and community activism. Projects must be located in areas where Constellation does business. The application deadline is March 16. Awards will be announced by April 22.

- Baltimore Sun reporter

Citigroup loses $7.8 billion in fourth quarter

NEW YORK - Citigroup Inc. became the latest bank to take a cautious view of consumers' credit problems, reporting a $7.77 billion fourth-quarter loss due to failed loans and the costs of repaying $20 billion in government bailout money. Tuesday's earnings report met analysts' expectations.

- Associated Press