Financial Services

On the final day of tender applications, Midwest Corporation Ltd has nominated Yilgarn Infrastructure as its preferred developer for the $1.5 billion Oakajee port.

The State Government's failure to provide meaningful tax relief to business in today's state budget suggests it is trying to future-proof its prospects at the next election, rather than safeguard the economy and reinforce business growth.

Freehills WA managing partner John Atkins will quit the partnership to take on the newly created role of chairman of ANZ in Western Australia.

The state government has responded to calls from the housing sector in its pre-election budger by reducing the cost of property transaction, increasing thresholds which will cut stamp duty on a median priced home by more than 15 per cent.

Canadian mining software company Gemcom Software International Inc, which has major Western Australian operations via its Surpac Minex acquisition, has agreed to be acquired by two private equity firms for $C180 million ($A189.5m).

Perth-based carbon offset provider Carbon Conscious Ltd has closed its IPO after raising more than $7 million and is expecting to list on the Australian Securities Exchange late next week.

West Perth based mineral exploration company Lachlan Star plans to issue 300 million new shares at three cents per share in an effort to raise $9 million.

East Perth-based internet and telecommunications provider iiNet has returned to its acquisition strategy after a more than two-year layover, acquiring fellow Western Australian player Westnet for an $81 million cash payment.

BHP lays claim to oil major standing; Fortescue rockets Forrest to $9.4bn; $US120 oil blows budget forecast; Creasy-backed Croesus poised to rise from ashes; Call to rebuild Australia with budget surpluses

From uncertain beginnings in the early 1990s, Australia's coal seam, or coal bed, gas (CSG) or coal seam methane (CSM) business has come a long way. Today, we see a large cohort of companies involved in the local industry, supplying more than 70 per cent

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.

Winemakers are bracing for an increase in taxes after the federal government took its first steps towards fighting binge drinking with the imposition of an additional levy on the ready-to-drink sector of the market.

The drama surrounding the $2 billion Oakajee deepwater port in the state's Mid West is set to enter a new stage.

Visiting WA; Robin Sharma, organisational and leadership coach and author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Greatness Guide, to present his full-day leadership workshop, ‘Lead Without Title Get

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.