Cedar Rapids-based Rockwell Collins Inc. will acquire DataPath Inc., a more than 600-employee company that designs and handles satellite communication systems for military and commercial customers. Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and CEO Clay Jones said the acquisition will “broaden and strengthen our position in networked communications – an area of rapid growth for military customers around the world.” The cash transaction is worth approximately $130 million, $110 million of which is associated with existing DataPath debt and other obligations. The deal is expected to close in about 45 days.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board, which sets U.S. accounting standards, voted to adopt new guidelines that will require companies to value assets at prices reflecting current market conditions, the Associated Press reported. The change could boost banks’ balance sheets by allowing assets to be valued at what they would sell for in an “orderly” sale rather than a forced or distressed sale. The guidelines will take effect immediately.

Investment in clean-technology ventures was down 41 percent in the first quarter from the previous quarter and 48 percent from a year earlier, the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal reported. Investments in North America, Europe, China and India totaled $1 billion across 82 companies, according to a report issued by The Cleantech Group and Deloitte & Touche LLC. This is the second straight quarter of declines since clean-tech investments peaked at $2.6 billion in the third quarter of 2008. Leading sectors for investments for the first quarter were solar with $346 million, biofuels with $96 million, advanced batteries with $94 million and electric vehicles with $78 million.

The Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects will host its spring meeting on April 15 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut St., Des Moines. The conference will focus on sustainable building practices. For more information, go to www.aiaiowa.org/displayconvention.cfm.

NCMIC Group Inc. and Professional Solutions Services Insurance Inc. will host a sales career fair on April 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at their offices, 14001 University Ave., Clive. The companies have several sales positions open and expect to grow in the future. The event will begin with a company overview at 5:30, followed by interviews at 6. To register, send a cover letter and resume to hiring@ncmic.com.

Best-selling author Bill Bryson will deliver Drake University’s spring Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lecture tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Knapp Center, 2525 Forest Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Before his lecture, Bryson will be recognized with an honorary doctor of human letters degree from the university.