ASX probes trading as BHP raises pitch; Burke links claim another scalp; Rudd's smart nation drive; Wild Child eyes $40m raising, targets listing; ConsMin suitor leaves way opoen for bid to trump rival.
ASX probes trading as BHP raises pitch
The Australian Securities Exchange has deepened its inquiries into trading in Rio Tinto shares before last week's $400 billion takeover announcement as BHP Billiton steps up its investor blitz with the aim of winning over its reluctant target. The West
Burke links claim another scalp
WA's Labor Party is in crisis after Premier Alan Carpenter ordered the expulsion of MP Shelley Archer for leaking information to disgraced lobbyist Brian Burke. The Fin Review
Rudd's smart nation drive
Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd says he will underspend the Prime Minister in this election campaign, in a bid to cement Labor's economic credentials. The Australian
Wild Child eyes $40m raising, targets listing
West Perth natural health care company Wild Child plans to raise up to $40 million through private equity over two years as the company sets its sights on the Australian stockmarket. The West
ConsMin suitor leaves way opoen for bid to trump rival
The nine-month battle for control of Consolidated Minerals is set to move into its final stages, with shunned suitor Pallinghurst Resources leaving the way open for a late offer to match or better an improved offer from Ukrainian rival Palmary Enterprises. The West
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
Page 1: WA politics was in turmoil last night after upper house MPs Shelley Archer and Anthony Fels declared they would fight moves by their leaders to expel them from their respective parties in the fallout from a controversial Upper House committee report.
Kevin Rudd has laid claim to John Howard title of the superior economic manager by limiting spending in his campaign speech to just one-quarter of that outlined by the coalition in its official election launch on Monday.
The State Government should demand an extra $300 million a year in royalties from BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto from the savings the two global mining giants could make from any merger of their Pilbara iron ore operations, according to liberal MP and former resources development minister Colin Barnett.
Business: The Australian Securities Exchange has deepened its inquiries into trading in Rio Tinto shares before last week's $400 billion takeover announcement as BHP Billiton steps up its investor blitz with the aim of winning over its reluctant target.
West Perth natural health care company Wild Child plans to raise up to $40 million through private equity over two years as the company sets its sights on the Australian stockmarket.
Australian biggest fertiliser manufacturer and distributor Incitec Pivot yesterday warned farmers to budget for high fertilizer prices for the long-term because of increasing global demand for the "four Fs" - food, feed, fibre and fuel.
The company behind high-profile chef Chris Taylor's three water view eateries, Kings Park's Fraser's Restaurant, Applecross Bluewater Grill and Cottesloe's Indiana has booked a $3.7 million net profit for the ;attest financial year.
The nine-month battle for control of Consolidated Minerals is set to move into its final stages, with shunned suitor Pallinghurst Resources leaving the way open for a late offer to match or better an improved offer from Ukrainian rival Palmary Enterprises.
THE AUSTRALIAN FINANCIAL REVIEW
Page 1: Labor leader Kevin Rudd has staked a claim to the economic high ground at the party's campaign launch, railing against the "reckless spending" of the coalition so far in this election. Qantas has purchased 188 new planes to combat the threat of new competitors such as the Singapore Airlines-backed Tiger Airways. St George Bank has launched a $1.15 billion capital raising to shore up its balance sheet in the face of the global credit crunch.
Page 3: The Labor Party in Western Australia is in crisis after Premier Alan Carpenter ordered the expulsion of MP Shelley Archer for leaking information to disgraced lobbyist Brian Burke.
World: US markets posted their best performance in two months, with hopes the worst of the subprime mortgage crisis may be over. (New York)
Market: BHP Billiton and property group Westfield led a strong day for the local sharemarket, again buoyed by gains on Wall Street.
THE AUSTRALIAN
Page 1: Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd says he will underspend the Prime Minister in this election campaign, in a bid to cement Labor's economic credentials. Mr Rudd's education pitch, including a promise to delver a computer for every student in years nine through 12, is aimed at showing John Howard as being a man of the past. Western Australian Premier Alan Carpenter has put his leadership on the line by demanding the expulsion of MP Shelley Archer from the Labor Party.
Business: Australian airline Qantas has splurged $8 billion on 188 new Boeing and Airbus aircraft as part of Jetstar's expansion into Asia.
