in Bermuda-registered ADT Ltd., said yesterday it opposes Republic Industries Inc.'s planned acquisition of the security firm.

The opposition by the Topeka, Kansas-based utility is just the latest stumbling block for the controversial transaction, which already has generated immense concern on Wall Street.

Western said it disclosed its opposition in a filing made to the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 13.

"We are opposing that transaction. We believe that Republic stock is much too volatile to give Western any real benefit,'' said Western spokeswoman Michel Philipp.

Originally valued at $5 billion when it was announced on July 1, the deal's pricetag declined sharply just weeks later when Republic's stock price sank below $20 per share. As announced originally, the deal was based on a price of $26 for each share of ADT common stock.

Based on yesterday's stock activity, takeover traders valued the transaction at about $3.6 billion.

Republic Industries, which is part-owned by Bermuda resident Michael DeGroote, was up 50 cents to $27.75 on Nasdaq, ADT slipped 25 cents to $20.25 on the New York Stock Exchange and Western Resources gained 12.5 cents to $29, also on the NYSE.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based Republic declined to comment on Western's opposition to the deal. ADT, based in Boca Raton, Florida, could not be reached for comment.

Philipp said Western was not divulging its opposition strategy.

However, she noted that one possible method would be for Western to acquire a larger chunk of ADT stock. Western received government permission earlier this month to acquire between 25 percent and 50 percent of ADT's common shares.

The Western opposition did not come as a huge surprise because the utility, which said it was not consulted about the transaction, has indicated it might oppose the deal.

The acquisition of ADT is viewed as a significant step for Republic, which is run by Wayne Huizenga, founder of Blockbuster Entertainment and owner of the Florida Marlins, Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers.

It would be the largest security acquisition for Republic, which has scooped up 19 companies since entering the business nearly a year ago. Republic's two other major areas of business are solid waste and used cars.