Deals

Grain handler CBH Group has welcomed a report from the competition watchdog, which has expressed concern about the impact of the proposed $12 billion takeover of freight logistics company Asciano by Brookfield Infrastructure.

Millennium Minerals has kicked off a $21 million capital raising to pay off its debt and fund an ‘aggressive’ exploration campaign at its Nullagine gold project in the Pilbara.

Westpac's move to lift mortgage rates all but guarantees a Reserve Bank rate cut in November, Macquarie Bank says.

Bannister Downs Dairy Company managing director Sue Daubney is aiming to rebuild Azzura Gelati to its former glory after striking a deal this week to buy the local ice-cream manufacturer.

Excelsior Gold says a revised ore treatment agreement with Norton Gold Fields will remove an upfront $12.5 million payment for a milling allocation, with the savings to provide flexibility to further develop its Kalgoorlie North gold project.

Shares in Antipa Minerals have soared on news it has attracted backing from mining giant Rio Tinto, which plans to invest up to $60 million in the local explorer’s Citadel gold-copper project.

Local engineering services company Clough is boosting its North American presence with the acquisition of Canada-based Enercore Projects for $C10 million ($A10.5 million).

Junior explorer MRL Corporation has received firm commitments for a $4 million capital raising to fund development of mine shafts at its graphite tenements in Sri Lanka.

Commercial real estate agency Metier has scored another plum government job, this time to handle retail leasing for the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority at Midland’s Railway Workshops.

BGD Corporation is the latest Perth-based company to initiate a backdoor listing, announcing today that it intends to establish a primary healthcare business by purchasing assets held by Modern Medical.

Telstra has entered into an agreement to acquire the technology subsidiary of not-for-profit health and community care organisation Silver Chain Group for an undisclosed sum.

Macquarie Group is forking out $8.2 billion for a major car leasing and finance business from ANZ, and seeking financial support from shareholders to fund the deal.

Shares in local rare earths explorer Plymouth Minerals closed 75 per cent higher on news it had entered into an agreement to acquire two African potash projects for an all-scrip deal worth up to $2.75 million.

South Africa’s Sibanye Gold is poised to acquire Aquarius Platinum, which has been struggling for several years to deal with weak commodity prices.

IT services provider UXC has received a $428.5 million takeover offer from New York-based tech giant CSC.

Quick-service noodle restaurant franchiser Noodle Box looks set to gain a much greater presence in Western Australia after reaching an agreement to acquire competitor Wok in a Box.

Credit information provider Veda has backed a US takeover after the price tag was bumped up to $2.5 billion.

Local software and technology development company Investia Technologies is seeking an ASX listing through a reverse takeover of Advanced Engine Components.

A historic Pacific free trade deal will transform Australia and usher a new era of economic growth, the federal government predicts.

Minerals Corporation has appointed CPS Capital Group as lead manager for a $7 million capital raising, as the company works through delays in its acquisition of online music competition business Megastar Millionaire.

A series of major trade sales and the prospect of one of WA’s biggest-ever IPOs were highlights in what remained subdued capital markets in the September quarter. Also in our special report, how a surge in backdoor listings is attracting Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.

Accounting, consulting and insurance broking firm Carbon Business Group is continuing its expansion with the acquisition of Swan Valley Tax Accountants and Paperchase Bookkeeping’s Midland division for a combined $1.28 million.

Perth-based ATM machine operator Stargroup expects to return to the black after acquiring 109 ATMs from Cash Plus Australia for $6.5 million in cash and shares.

Fiona Wood-founded Avita Medical has received a $US16.9 million ($A24.1 million) commitment from a US government agency to fund a trial of its ReCell device.

A local exploration company led by Perth Glory owner Tony Sage is looking to join the wave of backdoor listings and become a gambling platforms provider, while technology company Velpic’s reverse takeover of International Coal has reached another milestone.

Local IT company Empired has won a $12 million contract to provide managed services to Western Power under an initial three-year term.

TPG Telecom's 320,000 mobile users will be moved onto the Vodafone Australia network, which will be upgraded by TPG as part of a $1 billion link-up between the companies.

Rio Tinto has struck a $865 million deal to sell its 40 per cent stake in the Bengalla open cut coal mine in NSW to New Hope Corporation.

Phoenix Gold shareholders will be hoping for an improved takeover offer from Evolution Mining, after a proposal to acquire the business was knocked back by Phoenix directors today.

Programmed Maintenance Services’ $424 million takeover of its larger competitor Skilled Group is a step closer to fruition, after Skilled shareholders voted in favour of the scheme of arrangement today.

Flinders Mines stakeholders have voted against selling the Pilbara iron ore project to private New Zealand company Todd Corporation for $65 million.

Junior explorers Azure Minerals and Metals of Africa have tapped investors to raise a combined $4.5 million to bolster their respective projects.