Shares in Wesfarmers fell 6 per cent today after Woolworths announced plans to take on the Bunnings business through the takeover of hardware group Danks Holdings.
Resources tax plan row flares; IR culture holding back productivity - Gillard; Conflict resolved - ASX powers shifted to ASIC; Wiluna mine production woes put more pressure on Apex; Galaxy tees up Great to bankroll lithium project
Australia's largest gold producer, Newcrest Mining has awarded Nedlands-based mining software provider, ISS Group a $4 million contract for its Mining Intelligence Layer project, utilising ISS's BabelFish product.
Mining, sampling and laboratory equipment producer, Essa is making further improvements in efficiency and implementing cost reductions in response to posting a net loss of $800,000.
Cazaly Resources has secured engineering firm, Lycopodium to complete the pre-feasability study at the Parker Range Iron Ore Project, located in the Yilgarn district of Western Australia.
For companies operating in the mining and metals sector, costs, consolidation and capital have been identified as the greatest risks, an annual report has found.
Manganese and iron ore miner, OM Holdings' operating profit after tax for the half year ending June 30 has plunged to $10.8 million, down from $96.9 million the previous corresponding period, impacted by sharp falls in global commodity prices.
Newspaper publisher and radio station owner, Fairfax Media and the country's largest radio network, Austereo Group posted big losses FY2009 and both organisation's agree the difficult market conditions are set to continue in the short term.
Skills shortage 'to get worse'; Investors upbeat on Coles, but eye detail; Merger to fast-track mine; ASIC raises alarm over new CFD trade risks; Bad blood to hurt tourism
Perth property developer Cedar Woods has posted a $9.3 million profit, down 55 per cent from last year's $20.6 million, as a result of reduced sales of premium product, the impact of option expiries and impairment adjustments.
An increasing number of Australian organisations are offering paid maternity leave according to research released yesterday by by the Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agency (EOWA) and Alcoa of Australia.
Gold producer Norton Gold Fields has achieved earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $36.6 million for the year to June 30, an increase of $11 million on the previous year, driven by higher gold prices and and production.
Financial services research firm, Canstar Cannex has awarded Westpac its second annual Best Value National award for Small Business Banking for demonstrating a commitment to backing business in a particularly challenging year.
Following analysis of the state government's financial strategy, international ratings agency Moody's has confirmed Western Australia's Triple-A credit rating, ranking the state at the lowest possible level of risk.
Construction services outfit Global Construction Services has increased profits by more than 10 per cent for the year to June 30, climbing above $10 million despite a softening construction market especially in the residential segment.
The managing director of shipbuilder Austal has described the recovery of its order book as "slow but sure", as the Henderson-based company reports a significant fall in full-year profits.
Australia and New Zealand have joined forces in bidding for the $2.5 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project for the state's Mid-West following discussions yesterday about rekindling the ANZAC spirit in terms of military alignment.
Australia's largest independently-owned mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice has been squeezed by the volatile housing finance market to post a net profit after tax on a cash basis of $13 million, a 23.9 per cent decrease on the FY08.
West Perth-based computer and office equipment financing company ThinkSmart has increased first half profit by 17 per cent despite a five per cent drop in revenue and says it remains on target to lift full year earnings.
Wesfarmers flayed despite big profit; Rio resists playing the Hu card; Future Fund stake in Telstra on the block; Union at war over penalties; Super funds face $2bn cut in fees
Nedlands-based Lions Eye Institute founding director, Professor Ian Constable, has been awarded a gold medal by the Australian Institute of Company Directors for his outstanding achievements in the promotion of corporate governance in community-based orga
Rejuvenated engineering contractor Clough is looking to the flood of emerging LNG developments and potential consolidation of niche local service providers as the platform for continued growth over the coming years.
Australia's economic resilience in the face the global downturn has resulted in the nation being ranked in the world's top five safest countries in which to invest, a recent survey assessing economic, commercial, external and political risk has found.
The CBD has welcomed the latest retail addition to the Hay Street Mall with the opening of the $400 million enex100, which is also part of a broader mixed-use asset which incorporates a 24-level office tower housing over 2,000 people.
Straits Resources is poised to sell two of its Pilbara base metal projects to West Leederville-based mineral exploration company, Venturex Resources in return for a substantial shareholding as part of a deal worth up to $11 million.
National property developer Peet has announced strong results in its year end profit statement, with an operating profit after tax of $31.2 million, excluding revaluation of assets.
The state's only listed financial planning firm, Plan B Group Holdings, suffered a tough year as falling equity markets eroded profits right across the financial services sector.
Nickel miner Mincor Resources has recovered from a big first-half loss to post a modest profit in the second half of the finacial year but it was not enough to save the group from an annual loss of $16 million.
Directors of Polaris Metals have recommended its shareholders accept an off-market takeover bid worth up to $67 million from mining services outfit, Mineral Resources, subject to an independent expert assessment and in the absence of a superior offer.
