Shares of Diebold soared more than 60 percent at the open of trade Monday following a $2.63 billion takeover bid from United Technologies for the ballot and cash machine company.

Parent company of jet engine-maker Pratt & Whitney, Otis elevator and Sikorsky Aircraft, United Technologies Corp. said it made the unsolicited offer after attempting to negotiate a deal with Diebold for two years.

Diebold shares rose $14.80 to $38.92 as soon as the market opened Monday.

UTC offered $40 per outstanding share for Diebold, about two-thirds more than Diebold’s closing stock price Friday of $24.12. United Technologies said the total enterprise value of the deal was about $3 billion.

“This transaction creates significant and immediate value for Diebold shareholders with no operational risk, while creating long term value for UTC shareholders,” George David, United Technologies’ chairman, said in a news release.

James Geisler, vice president of finance of United Technologies, said the company announced the offer Sunday night because executives believe their offer is “so compelling we thought shareholders should know about it.”

Diebold, based in Canton, Ohio, did not immediately return calls.

In a letter dated Feb. 21, Diebold Chairman John N. Lauer said the board discussed United Technologies’ overtures but determined “it was not in the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders to pursue discussions with UTC regarding a business combination with Diebold.”

Hartford-based United Technologies, which is capitalizing on strong aerospace and defense industry trends, reported revenue last year of $54.7 billion, up 14.5 percent from 2006. Net income for the year was $4.2 billion, up more than 13 percent.

Diebold’s presence in the ATM market is strong in China, where United Technologies’ Otis elevator business also has produced strong revenue, Geisler said. United Technologies’ network of sales and maintenance for the elevators can be adapted to the ATM business, he said.

Diebold, which began in the 19th century as Diebold Safe & Lock Co., announced last month it will cut 5 percent of its work force, or 800 jobs. The cuts come on top of a plan announced last year to save $100 million. The company has struggling with a sharp decline in revenue at its election systems unit and delays in Brazil, where it was to install a lottery system.

Diebold has faced criticism over the performance of some of its election machines.

The company has not issued any financial statements since April and is being investigated by the Justice Department and securities regulators over its accounting practices.

UTC shares slipped 2.5 percent, or $1.76, to $68.75 Monday.

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On the Net:

United Technologies Corp.: http://www.utc.com

Diebold Inc.: http://www.diebold.com