Ideas

Milwaukee-based RCB Awards has acquired Artistic Engraving of West Allis and Premier Awards of Fort Atkinson.

A three-year old consent order between WaterStone Bank SSB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waterstone Financial Inc., holding company of WaterStone Bank, and regulators has been terminated after the Wauwatosa financial institution satisfied requirements to return to profitability.

Due to potential increases in U.S. Federal income tax rates on dividends in 2013, the board decided to accelerate the cash dividends that would normally have been paid in March and June of the company's current fiscal year which ends June 30, 2013.

Milwaukee-based Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. and Axis Capital, the investment banking subsidiary of Axis Bank, one of the leading private sector banks in India, announced a strategic alliance for investment banking services, with an initial focus on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) between India and Europe, and India and the United States.

Mequon-based Charter Manufacturing Company announced it has acquired Dura-Bar and Dura-Bar Metal Services as part of its stock purchase of Illinois-based Wells Manufacturing Company.

A group of 158 CEOs who are members of the Business Roundtable last week sent a letter to President Barack Obama and Congressional leaders, urging them to compromise and avoid driving the federal government over the fiscal cliff.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation COO Ryan Murray encouraged local entrepreneurs to support the early stage capital program being proposed in the state legislature at a meeting of the Wisconsin Innovation Network-Milwaukee last week.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced it has acquired Companhia Caetano Branco of Brazil for a total consideration of approximately $57 million in cash.

This year’s Red Kettle Campaign has begun, the annual Christmas fundraiser that helps The Salvation Army collect money to meet human needs in local communities across the country. Each year’s campaign brings heightened media attention to The Salvation Army, particularly regarding its beliefs and practices.

Marcus Theatres, a division of The Marcus Corp. in Milwaukee, announced it has signed an agreement to purchase MESCOP Inc., a film buying and booking business located in Sussex.