StarTronix International Inc.: The Irvine telecommunications company,...

StarTronix International Inc.: The Irvine telecommunications company, formerly Gold Express Communications Inc., said Thursday that it has called off its acquisition of Phoenix Environmental Services Inc. after auditing the Atlanta company’s financial statements.

StarTronix officials said the audit revealed heavy tax liabilities and lower-then-expected net income at Phoenix. StarTronix instead will enter a joint venture agreement with Phoenix, which locates and maps subsurface power and communications lines.

Richard Scruggs, Phoenix chief executive, will remain a board member of the Irvine company.

The company also announced that shareholders approved the name change to StarTronix from Gold Express.