Edited announcement

The Perth Convention Bureau has exceeded its annual sales target, by attracting $55.7 million in delegate expenditure for the state's business tourism market in 2006-07, but this was well below the amount attracted in the previous year.

West Perth-based mineral explorer Haddington Resources Ltd has finalised the formal transaction agreement, allowing it to acquire mining services provider Minvest International Corporation.

Former Rio Tinto Ltd chief executive Leigh Clifford will take the chair of Qantas Airways Ltd when current chair Margaret Jackson steps down in November, the airline has announced.

Perth-based RMA Energy Ltd has completed the acquisition and set up requirements at its tin and copper projects in North Queensland, putting it on track for production in the September quarter.

Sydney-based industrial firm Alesco Corporation Ltd has bought the rights to the brands of Hugall & Hoile and Turf & Irrigation, as well as certain strategic assets, from the administrators of Australian Waterwise Solutions Ltd.

Malaga-based scaffolding and form-work supplier PCH Group Ltd has rejected an increased takeover bid from UK-based industrial services company Cape plc, saying the $1.30 per share offer was not high enough.

Perth-based financial services technology company ThinkSmart Ltd will commence trading with the JB Hi-Fi-owned Clive Anthonys chain in Queensland and New South Wales, the company has announced.

Como-based Aquila Resources Ltd will sell its Mozambique coal exploration tenements to Sydney-based Riversdale Mining Ltd in a cash and scrip deal worth around $60 million.

Subiaco-based uranium explorer Deep Yellow Ltd has raised $15.8 million through the placement of an entitlements issue shortfall with Paladin Resources Ltd.

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues, Julie Bishop has called for women interested in contributing to Australian Government boards to register with the Office for Women's AppointWomen Online Database.

Northbridge-based VDM Group Ltd subsidiary Wylie & Skene has been awarded a $6 million project extension contract at BHP Billiton Iron Ore's Area C mine site, the company has announced.

West Perth-based Coogee Resources Ltd has completed a debt and equity package worth around $580 million, securing funding for the first stage of its Montara oil project in the Timor Sea as well as its exploration program for the 2007-08 financial year.

West Perth-based gold and base metals explorer Shield Mining Ltd will expand its African copper interests after signing a memorandum of understanding with Canada-based Majescor Resources Inc.

Two thirds of retail industry respondents to a survey by Inside Retailing Online approve of Wesfarmers' takeover of Coles Group, saying it is a positive development for Australian retailing.

Pauline Vamos, a non-executive director of Plan B Group Holdings Ltd and associate of the Australasian Compliance Institute, has been appointed chief executive officer of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Ltd.

West Perth-based African-focused gold and base metals explorer Shield Mining Ltd has applied for six uranium tenements alongside its existing gold and base metal licences in Mauritania.

West Perth-based base metals miner Vulcan Resources Ltd has raised $52 million ahead of its debut on the Oslo over-the-counter market this week.

North Perth-based development fund MEC Resources Ltd investee Advent Energy Ltd has entered into two farm-in agreements with Victoria Petroleum NL, Impress Energy Ltd and Roma Petroleum NL, the fund has announced.

Perth-based iron ore hopeful Sundance Resources Ltd has raised $10 million through a placement to AMCI Holdings Pty Ltd and associated resources fund Triangle Resources Fund.

Nedlands-based Empire Oil & Gas NL aims to raise $2.3 million to fund further petroleum exploration and contributions to discovery well testing costs, in a placement to be arranged by South Pacific Securities Pty Ltd.

West Perth-based drilling products company Imdex Ltd has settled its agreement to acquire a 75 per cent stake in Kazakhstan-based Suay Energy Services for the equivalent of $460,000, the company announced today.

Balcatta-based Advance Healthcare Group Ltd's pharmaceutical wholesaler subsidiary, Cottman, has won a two year contract to provide medical and consumable products to 32 aged care facilities owned by Brightwater and Amana Living.

O'Connor-based insulation manufacturer Cool or Cosy Ltd has written $1.1 million off its goodwill value, following the relocation of its Grants Airconditioning facility to the workship of fellow subsidiary Natural Fibre Pty Ltd.

Wembley-based investment holdings group United Overseas Australia Ltd has appointed HL Bank as its lead manager and underwriter for its proposed float on the Singapore Stock Exchange, the company has announcned.

Perth-based precious metals explorer Dragon Mining NL hopes to raise $30.9 million through a non-renounceable rights issue, with plans to use the funds to close out its hedge book.

West Perth-based Monarch Gold Mining Company Ltd has signed a deal with Riverina Resources Pty Ltd and Barra Resources Ltd for the acquisition of the Riverina Gold project in a deal worth over $4 million.

Nedlands-based information and technology company ISS Group Ltd has received a $3 million order from Microsoft for the implementation of its enterprise resource planning system with ISS's Babelfish manufacturing execution system for Fortescue Metals Group

Former Ernst & Young managing partner Michael Minosora will join Perth investment bank Azure Capital as managing director in a board reshuffle that will see existing MD Mark Barnaba join John Poynton as executive chairman.

West Perth-based nickel company Rusina Mining NL has confirmed its plans to ship laterite ores this quarter, telling the market today it remained on schedule.

West Perth-based iron ore explorer Atlas Iron Ltd will raise $85 million through a placement, with funds raised going to development of the company's Pardoo Direct Shipping Iron Ore Project, including site capital and pre-payment for its port facilities.

TSG Key Group's David Simmons and Message Group's Kym Illman are among the winners of this year's Western Region Entrepreneur Of The Year awards, founded and produced by Ernst & Young.

The City of Armadale and Shires of Esperance and Chapman Valley have been recognised for their effective financial reporting processes in the State Government's Financial Management Awards for Local Government for the 2005-06 financial year.