Financial Services

As the state's winemakers emerge from a tough few years, the industry has a different look to it.

Not so long ago it seemed that Perth was a tenants’ market, with property owners shopping for companies to anchor their new buildings.

HERE at the Note we often imagine what it’s like to be a fly on the wall when the big deals are brokered. Alas, the detail is often left out in the announcements we peruse.

Hit by the high cost of feedstocks, biofuels players Mission Biofuels Ltd and Australian Renewable Fuels Ltd are both seeking to adapt their strategies as rising agricultural product prices disrupt their business models.

Record high occupancy rates among Perth hotels has seen it elevated to top ranking on Deloitte's 2007 global occupancy ranking index.

Aquila denies project tied to Cape Preston port deal; Fortescue loads first ore ship at Hedland; Tardy FIRB clears $505m Indonesian-Chinese bid for Herald; Bad debts take puff out fo St Georges; RBA warns Swan on spending as rates on hold

The management of outsourced housekeeping provider AHS Hospitality has been backed in a buyout by ANZ's private equity arm and two of the banks funds which collectively have taken a majority stake in the company.

South Perth based carbon steel producer and developer Aquila Resources Ltd hopes to start construction on its $4.13 billion ($US3.9 billion) West Pilbara iron ore project after reporting positive results at a pre-feasibility stage.

Agriculture production is expected to soar this winter, with Western Australian farmers tipped to lead the way.

Nickel miner Sally Malay Mining Ltd is to purchase Liontown Resources Ltd's Cowan Nickel Project assets in the easter Goldfields in a deal worth about $2 million.

Steel group Posco Australia has acquired a 19.99 per cent stake in West Perth based exploration company Sandfire Resources through a proposed share placement.

Chinese steel company Shougang Corporation has agreed to invest up to 19.9 per cent in Perth-based Prosperity Resources Ltd via a share placement.

Financial services major Commonwealth Bank is to remain the Western Australian Government's sole supplier of transaction banking and related services, representing about $45 billion a year in transactions.

West Perth based mineral exploration company Metex Resources Ltd, has secured $11 million through share placement with chemical and fertilizer group Incitec Pivot Ltd.

Pilbara iron ore explorer FerrAus Ltd has become the latest resource company to attract the interest of China, with mining and smelting company Western Mining Co Ltd to take a 10 per cent stake.

Big banks cut cash needs as loans slip; Centro scheme costs staff $265m; Tanner confirms budget on track; QBE to extend deadline; Fong, Birney floats on verge of ASX listing

DVD rental group Quickflix will go back to the market with a new offer after its rights issue fell short by a considerable margin.

Midwest Corporation Ltd said it does not need shareolder approval to nominate preferred infrastructure provider Yilgarn Infrastructrue Ltd to develop the $1.5 billion Oakajee Port, following ASX consultation.

Mermaid Marine Australia Limited has completed an institutional placement to raise $36.3 million, including a $8.9 million conditional component which is subject to shareholder approval.

Western Australian exploration company Focus Minerals Ltd has acquired a further 50 per cent interest in the Coolgardie Gold Project.

West Perth based Nickel miner Mincor Resources NL has intersected Nickel near its Otter Juan nickel mine in Kambalda, Western Australia.

West Perth based mineral exploration company Beacon Minerals Ltd has announced positive results from its Barlee Gold Project in Western Australia, saying it will provide confidence for further regional exploration.

Western Australian companies Quickstep Holding Ltd and Vortex Pipes Ltd have announced a joint venture to develop and market a new generation of high end pressure pipes, featuring improved strength and corrosion resistance.

Perth based company Amcom Telecommunications Ltd has announced a forecast 30 per cent increase in net profit for the financial year, in comparison to its 2007 result.

British in $13bn raid on Origin; The $1bn plan for new Perth airport; RBA glimpses victory on credit front; Investors dump RCR as it warns of profit slump; Ex-AWB bosses fight handover of ASIC files

Interest rates, labour shortages, material costs and compliance issues are affecting WA's housing industry, yet it's the issue of housing affordability that is front of mind for builders, as Emily Piesse reports.

APAC Coal Ltd has joined a flurry of Australian companies looking to take advantage of booming coal prices by raising money to invest in international coal mining projects.

Progressive CEOs and a more receptive workforce are helping shape a new phenomenon within Western Australian business, according to the state’s peak body for volunteering.

The ructions that have stirred up international financial markets this year and cast a pall over the global economic outlook would, you might think, make investors and business operators cautious.

This week, Briefcase is able to report directly from the streets of New York, where the mood among stock and commodity traders has taken a bullish turn.

Insolvency firm Sims Partners is expecting major changes in the coming weeks with a merger on the eastern states horizon and name change for its six WA offices.

By most people’s reckoning, a multi-million dollar bill for construction costs would be more appropriate for a commercial building than a single house.