Florida-Based Sunbeam Is Open to Acquisitions, Opportunities.(Originated from The Miami Herald)

Oct. 24--Sunbeam Corp. said Thursday it has taken steps that could lead to the sale of the Delray Beach-based appliance maker only 15 months into Albert Dunlap's three-year contract as its chief executive.

Sunbeam's hiring of Morgan Stanley to explore its "strategic alternatives" could lead to acquisitions but could result in the sale of the $1.1 billion-a-year company. Dunlap said his motives are to further enhance the value of company shares, which have quadrupled in value since he joined Sunbeam in July 1996.

"It's only natural when you have that type of performance that you look at all the next opportunities," he said. "Obviously, we've …