Staff Reporters

LOCAL protective coating company Novacoat Holdings, which recently listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, has reached a binding agreement to acquire the business assets of Sydney-based engineering,

Code: DRK Issue price: $0.20 Principal activities: Gold and silver exploration.

JP Morgan Chase & Co became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 128,582,196 ordinary shares (7.66%).

Mineral Securities Ltd changed its relevant interest from 120,978,131 ordinary shares (9.13%) to 144,178,931 ordinary shares (8.55%).

Announced settlement of the mutual selective share buy-back and cancellation arrangements with Network Ltd.

Annual General Meeting at The Celtic Club at 48 Ord Street 1.00pm (WST) West Perth on 31 May 2005.

THE development of Perth's foreshore is one topic that appears to have almost gained unanimous support from candidates for the City of Perth council.

Adelphi Energy Limited has appointed Chris Hodge to the newly created position of executive director – explorations.

WA-BASED Caspian Oil and Gas has expanded its oil exploration project in the Kyrgyz Republic by approximately 600 square kilometres.

Proposed code: EMC Issue price: $100 per note Principal activities: Provider of heavy earth moving equipment in Australia.

UBS Nominees increased its relevant interest from 157,761,242 ordinary shares (11.17%) to 63,044,003 ordinary shares (12.16%).

Agreement has been reached with TransSiberian Gold plc in relation to revised terms for the second share subscription.

Lodged response to ASX query.

Issues discussed: Change Program, Client Relationship Management (CRM), Superannuation administration, TAXAGENT newsletter review. http://ato.gov.au/distributor.asp?doc=/content/57306.htm

Recent research by University of Western Australia business lecturer Donella Caspersz has challenged some of the stereotypes and myths about family business, especially suggestion

FORTESCUE Metals Group has been forced to clarify to the Australian Stock Exchange both its capital cost and mineral resource estimates for developing its Pilbara iron ore project.

Colin Henson has been appointed chairman of ASX-listed technology company ERG Limited. He replaces Tony Shepherd, who spent two years in the position.

Code: PYC Issue price: $0.20 Principal activities: Biopharmaceuticals Company.

Entrust Private Wealth Management Pty Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder.

ERM Investments Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest from 12,474,008 ordinary shares (8.53%) to 2,774,008 ordinary shares (9.57%).

Formal Black Economic Empowerment with Seven Falls Trading 155 Pty Ltd for the sale of 26% of Tawana's South African Projects and the formation of a joint venture between the two companies has now bee

Annual General Meeting will be held at The Sheraton Perth Hotel, 207 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, Western Australia at 11.30 am (Perth Time) on Wednesday, 25 May 2005.

If ever proof was needed that vintage can vary dramatically from sub-region to sub-region, Fonty's Pool winemaker Mark Morton provided it when he gave Gusto an insight into Pemberton's growing season.

One of the largest independent law firms in Western Australia, Friedman Lurie Singh & D'Angelo was ranked 15th in the latest WA Business News Book of Lists.

ANGLOGOLD Ashanti Australia has agreed to sell exploration assets in the Laverton area to local gold explorer, Crescent Gold.

Code: NVC Issue price: $0.30

Farview Pty Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 2,300,000 ordinary shares (11.6%).

1,000,000 Ordinary Shares are to be released from escrow on 12 May 2005.

Announced the A$45 million acquisition of real estate management and services business PREMAS International, headquartered in Singapore.

Has effected a share placement of 2,000,000 shares at $0.32 per share to clients of Bell Potter Securities Ltd.

The St Vincent De Paul Society's mission is to work with the poor in development by respecting their dignity, sharing hope and encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.

Perth-based Federal Court judge Justice Michael French has been appointed deputy president of the Australian Competition Tribunal.