Financial Services

Rio Tinto Ltd has signed a landmark agreement to purchase iron ore from a Perth-based junior's Pilbara mine, paving the way for small companies to develop costly projects while allowing the industry majors to keep control of their rail infrastructure.

Australasian Resources Ltd today confirmed that it has received a merger proposal from billionaire Clive Palmer's Resources Development International Ltd, which is currently finalising plans for a $5 billion initial public offer.

Record year puts pressure on BHP to lift dividend; Palmer plans takeover to build $18b resources titan; Inflation spikes on fuel, credit costs; Shifting sentiment drives banks; Macquarie challenged on funds as big asset write-downs looms

SUBIACO-based Summit Resources Ltd plans to raise over $10 million through a rights issue which will be fully sub-underwritten by its two largest shareholders, Paladin Energy Ltd and Areva NC Australi

Malaga-based Cool Clear Water Beverages Ltd said it has "no intention to imminently list" on the stockmarket, despite reports at the weekend that a successful capital raising had paved the way for an IPO.

Established in 2000, the Clontarf Foundation uses football in an effort to keep young indigenous boys in education, preparing and helping them to find full employment and a more positive future.

There are plenty of potential losers in the story surrounding fuel technology group, which traded under the high profile banner of Firepower.

Briefcase has previously predicted that economic conditions will deteriorate, both globally and locally.

The Australian Taxation Office will investigate up to 160,000 individuals and entities that have registered a boat in Australia.

Franchisor of the Caffissimo coffee chain, Mike Barr, believes a good coffee franchise is all about 'location location', and a viable rent.

HBOS, the UK owner of Perth-based BankWest, said shareholders agreed to take up 8.29 per cent of its $8 billion rights issue, increasing speculation that Perth-based BankWest could be up for sale.

West Perth-based intellectual property company ipernica Ltd has entered into a $16 million agreement to acquire geospatial media company NearMap Pty Ltd, which has selected Perth for its initial prototype testing.

HBOS, the UK owner of Perth-based BankWest, said shareholders agreed to take up 8.29 per cent of its $8 billion rights issue, increasing speculation that Perth-based BankWest could be up for sale.

Western Australian business has not warmed to the federal government's proposed emissions trading scheme, with warnings that the policy could drive billions of dollars of investment offshore.

The early call of the Northern Territory election this week has highlighted the enviable position of Western Australia's economy, as investment in the state increases by 18 per cent.

Sharing premises could lead to more than just rubbing shoulders for Western Australia's two leading theatre companies, though no-one wants to write the 'm' word into the script, just yet.

The Australian Taxation Office will investigate up to 160,000 individuals and entities that have registered a boat in Australia.

As the Australian dollar nears parity with a declining US dollar, the consequences for Western Australian importers and exporters are mixed.

SUBIACO-based Summit Resources Ltd plans to raise over $10 million through a rights issue which will be fully sub-underwritten by its two largest shareholders, Paladin Energy Ltd and Areva NC Australi

The Bank of Queensland's aggressive push into Western Australia has highlighted a growing trend of franchising within the finance industry.

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd has alerted shareholders of an unsolicited offer to acquire shares from Hassle Free Share Sales Pty Ltd, a fortnight after the same company approached Woodside Petroleum Ltd.

Western Australian stocks Mincor Resources Ltd and Panoramic Resources Ltd are just some of the nickel plays that enjoyed a healthy day on the bourse, buoyed by positive news from their respective projects.

Wesfarmers Ltd has had a mixed June quarter over its coal output with production increasing in two of its operations while its Premier mine recorded a 37 per cent decline from the previous quarter.

Perth-based CO2 Group Ltd has launched a cash takeover offer for private mallee eucalyptus planting firm The Oil Mallee Company of Australia Ltd in a bid worth up to $700,000.

West Perth-based intellectual property company ipernica Ltd has entered into a $16 million agreement to acquire geospatial media company NearMap Pty Ltd, which has selected Perth for its initial prototype testing.

Fortescue Metals Group is considering a number of finance options to fund expansion plans at its Chichester Range iron project, with a control estimate expected to be released within a few months.

Perth-based Gindalbie Metals Ltd has started its spending spree for its $1.8 billion Karara iron ore project in Western Australia by placing a $70 million order for key long lead items.

The once friendly merger between Perth-based Perilya Ltd and Sydney-based CBH Resources Ltd has officially been terminated.

Balcatta-based gold company Zedex Minerals Ltd will boost its interest in Canadian resource company Olympus Pacific Minerals Inc in a bid to become a leading player in the Asia Pacific gold sector.

First production at Atlas Iron Ltd's Pardoo project has been delayed by to December after it lodged an appeal over conditions recommended by the Environmental Protection Authority.

Subiaco-based Summit Resources Ltd plans to raise over $10 million through a rights issue which will be fully sub-underwritten by its two largest shareholders, Paladin Energy Ltd and Areva NC Australia Pty Ltd.

Territory fails to get rid of administrators; Orica to raise $900m in spin off; ATO reveals widespread use of havens; MCC retakes guard to save ore deal; Brokers left holding bag as investors snub HBOS