Who and what are BEL/Bell Labs amplifiers


I have noted several times the existence of a company called BEL or BELL Labs and their amps seem to be geared towards the high end market, and yet, I cannot find any sort of information about them, just the fact that they sometimes appear in the used market. What sort of company is or was BEL/BELL and what is the typical sound and look of their units. Are they simply a relic or are they just some very well kept secret. Is there are website with detail description of them?
bemopti123
Dick Brown helped me repair my original MKII, over a couple of phone calls, way back when.  He said to pull out the soldering iron and not to be scared.   What a wonderful guy.   
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Hi there

Old thread but.

Does anybody know if my BELL 2002, made in Japan, has anything to do with the BEL company?

Regards Ronny